Reflection on Romans 7:5-6
God’s Word says that we have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that is through Jesus crucified, and that we should walk in the newness of the Spirit. We who are united to Him in His death are the Mystical Body of Christ. Through His death we are dead to sin, but we have become dead to the law as well. We are unable to fulfil the requirements of God’s law with our own strength. They convict us of sin, of breaking the law. What does it mean specifically? At specific moments (prayer of contrition 7 times a day) I stand in the spirit by the cross of Christ. There I realize my sin and sinfulness. I also realize that I am now in the light of God and the blood of Christ cleanses me from all sin. I call with faith on the name of Jesus. Then I make the next step – I lose my soul for the sake of Jesus and His Gospel. And I realize a particular problem. This is the first commandment in practice: You shall love God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your might. These few seconds of perfect contrition and love unite me to Jesus. I simply realize: that’s how I want to die. This is the practice of a happy minute of my death, and it is also my sanctification and union with God in time through self-surrender – pure love.
This is what God’s Word says: “… serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter …”, i.e. not by observance of mere external forms, commands and prohibitions.
To serve in the newness of the Spirit means to accept Christ’s commandments. These strike at the root of our mind. So the point is to change our mind (repent) and believe in the Gospel (Mk 1:15). In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus points out the essence. You have heard that it was said: Thou shalt not kill! But I say to you … (Mt 5:21-22). You have heard that it was said: Thou shalt not commit adultery! But I say to you … (v.27-30). You have heard that it was said: Whosoever shall put away his wife … But I say to you … (v.31-32). You have heard that it was said: An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. But … (v. 38-42). You have heard that it was said: Thou shalt love thy neighbour and hate thine enemy. But I say to you … (v.43-45). Thus, His death touches the depths of our soul and its powers, i.e. intellect, will and sensation – the heart.
To serve in the newness of the Spirit means to open up to the fullness of the Holy Spirit and to be guided by Him in keeping Jesus’ commandments. And that is true freedom in Christ (Gal 5:1).
