Reading from the Letter of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Romans
Brothers,
None of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
For if Christ passed through death and then returned to life, it was to be Lord of both the dead and the living.
Why then do you condemn your brother? And why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.
For it is written: “By my life,” declares the Lord, “every knee will bow before me, and every tongue will praise God.”.
Thus, each of us will have to give an account to God for ourselves.
In our life as in our death, to belong to the Lord
Understanding and living in the manor of Christ in our choices, our relationships and our destiny.
Saint Paul's words to the Romans invite us to a radical conversion of our perspective on life and death. Intended for anyone seeking a deeper meaning in their existence, this text reveals that from this moment on, we belong entirely to God. It speaks especially to those who struggle with the fear of death, the judgment of others, or community conflicts. Through this reading, the reader can embrace a spiritual dynamic that strengthens, soothes, and unites.
This text begins by outlining the complex context of the Epistle to the Romans and the reality of tensions within the community. It then explores the foundational conviction of belonging to Christ in life and in death. Next, it develops thematic themes of Christian freedom, mutual respect, and responsibility before God. Theological tradition will be invoked to enrich the reflection, followed by practical suggestions for meditation.
Context
The Epistle to the Romans, written by Saint Paul around the year 57, is addressed to a diverse Christian community, bringing together in Rome Jewish converts deeply attached to Mosaic observances, and converts from paganism, living in a new freedom (Rom 14:1-6). This diversity engendered conflicts and mutual judgments, particularly on matters of food and the celebration of holy days ( ).
The passage in Romans 14:7-12 fits into this dynamic of tension. Paul urges us to overcome these disagreements in order to live in unity before the Lordship of Christ, who reigns over life and death. The liturgical context suggests that this text is often read in funeral services or times of crisis, when the awareness of death and judgment resurfaces strongly.
Spiritually, this text connects the Christian perspective on death to the resurrection of Christ, who conquered death and has authority over all. It affirms a unique relationship of each believer with God, transcending human opinions, dividing the central element of living faith. This text is a powerful call to peace and to charity in the community ().
The source text:
Paul writes that no one lives or dies for themselves, but for the Lord. Through his death and resurrection, Christ is Lord of the living and the dead. He calls us not to judge or despise our brother or sister, for each will give an account to God, before whom every knee will bow and every tongue will acknowledge his glory.
Total belonging to the Lord
The central idea of this passage is Christ's complete sovereignty over human life, in its fragility and ultimate destiny. Paul forcefully affirms that "whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord" (v. 8). This assertion rests on a powerful paradox: while death is inevitable, it is now integrated and transformed by the redemptive death of Christ, victor and Lord. This liberates the believer from all forms of fear or judgment in this world.
The text develops an ethical and spiritual dynamism: the life of the believer It does not stop at itself; it is always offered to God. Each person is called to live "for the Lord," in freedom but also with responsibility before his judgment. Thus, questioning others—judging or despising them—is marginalized, because only God "upholds" each servant (v. 4). Every human act takes on a spiritual and relational dimension.
Existentially, this text invites us to a major conversion: to live consciously knowing that we belong to God, and that every moment counts. Theologically, it emphasizes the messiahship of Christ, the power of his resurrection, and the Lordship exercised not through domination but through love and a call to the true freedom of God's children.
Lordship of Christ and responsible freedom
Death and the resurrection The teachings of Christ make visible God's lordship over life. This lordship does not restrict human freedom but transforms it. To live for the Lord means to exercise a freedom that does not depend on our personal interests but is conformed to God's loving will. This fundamental bond liberates us from mutual judgment. Christian freedom is expressed through a respectful love for consciences, avoiding causing scandal or offense, and bearing witness to humble service to others.
A fraternal relationship and non-judgment
Paul urges us to reject any attitude of judgment or contempt among believers. Here, individual conscience plays a crucial role, but always within an attitude of acceptance and mutual support. Those who judge forget that each brother or sister belongs to the Lord, who alone judges. This stance pacifies tensions within the community and opens the way to... charity, allowing everyone to be welcomed despite their differences.
Responsibility before God and ethical living
The passage concludes with the proclamation that one day, each person will give an account to God for themselves (v. 12). This ultimate awareness leads to a life conformed to the Lordship of Christ today. No longer judging our brothers directs us toward a path of’humility and of love. Christian ethics are rooted here in this ultimate responsibility, which totally transcends human measures, calling for a profound respect for the freedom of the other.
Theological Heritage and Living Spirituality
In the patristic tradition, Saint Augustine He meditated extensively on the sovereignty of Christ and the meaning of belonging to God in life and death, emphasizing the fundamental unity of all existence under divine lordship. The mystic John of the Cross evokes this transcendent union where death no longer has any hold, because "the soul belongs to God alone" ().
Liturgically, this text is central to funeral rites, reminding us that death is a passage to new life in God. In contemporary spirituality, it resonates as a call to embrace inner freedom in the face of trials and to fully experience the unity between earthly life and heavenly destiny.
A practical path of internalization
- Meditate daily on your belonging to the Lord in every action.
- Reread this passage in prayer, while formulating personal commitments.
- Observe your judgments throughout the day and try to replace them with understanding.
- Practice active kindness towards those who differ in faith.
- Practicing trust in divine sovereignty in the face of trials.
- Participating in community rites and celebrations helps to nurture this awareness.
- To engage in concrete actions for peace and reconciliation.
To live for the Lord, today and always
The passage of Romans 14:7-12 gives us a powerful and liberating vision of our lives: we belong to God forever. This transforms our perspective on ourselves, others, and death. In this total belonging, Christian freedom takes on the face of respectful love, acceptance, and responsibility. At a time when judgment often divides us, this text invites us to deconstruct our prejudices and welcome our brothers and sisters with open arms. gentleness of the Lord. It is a powerful call to live a radical spiritual and ethical conversion that unites and strengthens us.
Simple practices
- Start the day by affirming "I live for the Lord.".
- Avoid criticizing the spiritual choices of others.
- To offer a gesture of peace to a brother or sister in difficulty.
- Think before you act: "Does my action honor the Lord?"«
- Promote prayer for peace in his community.
- To voluntarily abstain from a freedom so as not to hurt another.
- Regularly attending Sunday liturgy is a sign of the resurrection of Christ.
This text proposes to take to heart Paul's message to the Romans, so that the awareness of our belonging to the Lord may permeate our entire life, even in death, and build strong, peaceful and responsible fraternal relationships.
