Reflection on Romans 8:18-19

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared

with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Rom 8:18)

The sufferings of this present time (illness, pain, misery, disappointment, poverty, ill-treatment, grief, persecution or any other problems) must be considered not worthy to be compared with the blessing, privileges and glory which are prepared for the faithful in the age to come (cf. 2Cor 4:17). This truth strengthened thousands and millions of martyrs who were able to suffer torments and the cruellest torture because they fixed their spiritual eyes of faith on future glory prepared for all who will persevere in the faith until the end. The liturgical exhortation “Lift up your hearts”, i.e. turn your gaze on future glory, strengthened millions of Christians in the most extreme mental and physical suffering. Let the thought of death and eternal glory be an incentive for us too to remain faithful to Christ and His Gospel in these hard times.

For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. (Rom 8:19)

The creation waits and groans (v. 22). Verses 22-27 speak about three kinds of groaning. The groaning of the creation (v. 22), the groaning of believers (v. 23) and the groaning of the Spirit (v. 26). The creation, i.e. animate and inanimate nature, was subjected to futility and disaster as a consequence of sin (v. 20). And so it is God’s plan that nature as such will likewise be redeemed and transformed. There will be a new heaven and a new earth, everything will be restored according to the will of God (cf. 2Cor 5:17; Gal 6:15; Rev 21:1.5) and the faithful children of God will receive their full inheritance.

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