Saturday of the 5th week

The Epistle to the Romans, conceived 98

Brethren, we know that all creation groans and suffers together to this day; and not only it, but also ourselves, having the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption of sons, the redemption of our body. For we are saved in hope. But hope, when it sees, is not hope; for if a man sees, what hope can he have? But when we hope for what we do not see, then we wait with patience. In the same way, the Spirit strengthens us in our weaknesses; for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings that cannot be uttered. But he who searches the hearts knows what the Spirit thinks, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Romans 8:22–27

Thursday 3 weeks

The Epistle to the Romans, conceived 99

Brethren, we know that to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose, all things work together for good. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. And those whom He predestined, He called, and those whom He called, He also justified; and those whom he justified, he glorified. What can be said to this? If God is for us, who is against us? He Who did not spare His Son, but delivered Him up for all of us, how can He not give us all things with Him? Who will accuse God's elect? God justifies them. Who condemns? Christ Jesus died, but also rose again: He is also at the right hand of God, and He also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of God: tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or the sword? as it is written, For Thy sake we are slain all day long, and we are reckoned as sheep destined to be slaughtered. But we overcome all this by the power of Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:28–39

To the Martyrs

The Epistle to the Romans, conceived 100

Brethren, I speak the truth in Christ, I do not lie, my conscience testifies to me in the Holy Spirit, that great is my sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart: I myself would like to be excommunicated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, who are my kinsmen according to the flesh, that is, the Israelites, to whom belong the adoption and the glory, and the covenants, and the law, and the worship, and the promises; and their fathers, and of them Christ according to the flesh, God who is over all, blessed for ever, Amen.

Romans 9:1–5

Saturday of the 6th week

The Epistle to the Romans, conceived 101