Romans 9:1-9 (NRSV)
True descendants of Abraham
I am speaking the truth in Christ - I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit - I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.
It is not as though the word of God had failed. For not all Israelites truly belong to Israel, and not all of Abraham's children are his true descendants; but "It is through Isaac that descendants shall be named for you." This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as descendants. For this is what the promise said, "About this time I will return and Sarah shall have a son."
Reflection
Children of the promise...children of God...through faith we follow Christ. Through faith we have a hope. Through faith we become daughters and sons of the promise of God to be children. Through faith we are given and give a love so deep and wide that flesh and spirit unite in the Church. Through faith built up in hope. Thanks be to God!
Prayer
Lord, increase in me faith. Lead me in love to give life and love to those you give to me this day. --- Amen
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