Our human nature is fallen, wounded, and weakened because of the sin of our first parents, that is, original sin. Our desires, intentions, and feelings lack power (Rm 7:18). "What happens is that I do, not the good I will to do, but the evil I do not intend" (Rm 7:19). Our wills also are incapacitated. We do what is against our wills (Rm 7:20). "This means that even though I want to do what is right, a law that leads to wrongdoing is always ready at hand" (Rm 7:21). Moreover, our bodies are "under the power of death" (Rm 7:24).
Because our emotions, wills, and bodies are out of order, we are in an impossible situation. We are prisoners (Rm 7:23), wretched men and women (Rm 7:24) in need of freedom (Rm 7:24). Others cannot help us because they are in the same condition. We appear doomed to damnation and everlasting isolation, loneliness, and alienation from God.
"Who can free" us? (Rm 7:24) "All praise to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Rm 7:25) Jesus is our only Savior and our only Hope. Thank Jesus forever for freeing and saving us through His death and Resurrection. Have faith in Jesus. Love Jesus. Worship Jesus. Live completely for Jesus.
| PRAYER: | Father, may I love people enough to tell them that Jesus is our only Hope. |
| PROMISE: | "I am Yours; save me, for I have sought Your precepts." –Ps 119:94 |
| PRAISE: | Pope St. John Paul II lived through the Nazi occupation of Poland and under the heavy yoke of post-World War II Communism. The Holy Spirit used him to help defeat both. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College