The Holy Priest-Martyr Timothy, Bishop of Prussa (361-63)
Romans 2:14-29; Matthew 5:33-41
Read Romans 2:14-29
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
In today’s epistle reading, St. Paul points out that although a Jew might know the law and think himself to be “a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes,” it is not enough to simply know the law (Rom. 2: 19-20). By doing “the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness,” Gentiles can be better followers of the law than even some Jews! Being better followers of the law, these uncircumcised Gentiles can judge those who are under the law and physically circumcised but fail to keep the law (Rom. 2:27). Paul wants to accentuate the point that circumcision of the flesh is worthless if one does not have circumcision of the heart and a proper inward disposition.
We, Christians, are sinners along with the rest of fallen humanity. Although we are not under Jewish law, we still often fail to follow the law written on our hearts and live holy lives that are well-pleasing to God. Some of us might like to create the illusion that we are pious, faithful Christians, but if our deeds do not live up to the demands of our faith, then are we not in the same position as those Jews who think highly of themselves for knowing the law well but yet do not keep it? Let us not live our lives as hypocrites. Let us remember our baptismal promises and live our lives in accordance with them.