Synaxis of the Holy Archangel Gabriel. Venerable Father Stephen the Sabbaite (9th c.). Holy Father Julian, Bishop of Kenomane.
Romans 13:1-10. Matthew 12:30-37.
Read Romans 13:1-10
Brothers and sisters, we don’t have to go far to bump into conversations, sometimes quite heated, relating to our difficulties with authority. Whether they be political, administrative or ecclesial in nature, we struggle to remain obedient and respectful to those who are in authority over us. St. Paul was no stranger to this situation as we can see from our epistle reading today. St. Paul reminds us that all legitimate authority is from God and that we must relate to that legitimate authority with respect and obedience. Instead of putting forth a long list of moral injunctions to ensure this, he simply concludes that we must love. When we love we have fulfilled what is required of us from God’s Law.
Finally, it is important to note that commands, even from legitimate authorities which contradict God’s laws must be resisted by Christians. Legitimate authority here on earth flows from the Lord’s Authority. Commands which contradict God are not from Him and cease to be legitimate. Remember, at the heart of humility is honesty. When we can be honest with ourselves, we can respect God and our leaders and respond appropriately in love.