I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. 19 For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; 20 for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. 22 We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; 23 and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance. 26 In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. 27 And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because it intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will.
Paul acknowledges the reality of the sufferings believers are experiencing but emphasizes that these sufferings are insignificant compared to the future glory that awaits the faithful. The future glory is the full realization of salvation, where believers will be united with God. Creation itself is longing for the time when God’s plan for those who will share in His glory will be revealed. Paul believes that the effects of sin extend beyond humanity, encompassing all of creation. Creation could not fulfill its original purpose intended by God as a direct result of Original Sin which introduced disorder into the entire cosmos. Creation did not willingly choose to be in this state of futility. God subjected creation to futility as part of His response to human sin in the hope that the universe will be restored to its original perfection, free from decay and corruption, and share in the same freedom and glory that awaits the children of God when His plan of redemption is brought to fulfillment.
Paul uses the metaphor of labor pains, which symbolize both suffering and the anticipation of wonderful new life, to describe the current state of creation. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, Christians have already begun to experience the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, but this is only a foretaste of the fullness to come when they will fully participate In God’s divine life. Salvation has already been partially received but the full manifestation is still to come. Hope is waiting for what is unseen, Believers are called to persevere and patiently wait for the future fulfillment of God’s promises.
The Holy Spirit assists believers in their weakness, and helps them to pray even when they do not know what to ask for. The Holy Spirit's intercession is profound and beyond human articulation. God, who searches hearts, knows the desires of the Spirit who intercedes for believers in a way that is in perfect harmony with God’s plan,
Almighty God, in the midst of our sufferings, help us to fix our eyes on the glory You have promised. As creation groans for redemption, grant us patience and hope, knowing that Your plan will bring restoration to all. Strengthen us through the Holy Spirit, who intercedes for us when we do not know how to pray and guide us in Your will. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
References
- McSorley, Joseph. An Outline History of the Church by Centuries (From St. Peter to Pius XII). 2nd ed., B. Herder Book Co., 1944.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Charpentier, Etienne. How to Read the Old Testament. Translated by John Bowden, 1981.
- Komonchak, Joseph, et al., editors. The New Dictionary of Theology.
- McKenzie, John. Dictionary of the Bible. Collier Books, 1965.
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