Homilies
The Wages of Sin is Death but the Free Gift of God is Eternal Life
Holy Spirit take my words and speak to each of us according to our need.
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6.23)
I wonder what comes into your mind when you hear the word "sin." It can sound rather old-fashioned, perhaps associated with lists of things we should not do. Yet when St Paul writes about sin in his letter to the Romans, he is talking about something much deeper than simply breaking rules.
Paul sees sin as a force that pulls us away from God, away from life, away from becoming the people God created us to be. In contrast, God offers us something entirely different: life, freedom, and relationship. "The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Paul speaks about a gift, not something we earn through good behaviour. It is not a reward for being better than other people. It is God's gracious gift, offered freely through Christ.
Yet Paul also says something else. He urges us: "Do not present yourselves as instruments of sin, but present yourselves to God as instruments of righteousness."
An instrument is something through which something else works. A musical instrument allows music to be heard. A tool allows work to be done. Paul is asking: what are we allowing to shape our thoughts, our words, our actions, and our choices? Because the truth is that we are all being shaped by something.
Many years before modern psychology or neuroscience existed, Paul recognised something that scientists now observe regularly: what we repeatedly think, choose, and practise affects and shapes who we become.
Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to change and adapt throughout life. Researchers tell us that repeated habits strengthen certain pathways in the brain. If we continually practise gratitude, kindness, and hope, those patterns become more natural. If we continually dwell in resentment, bitterness, or destructive habits, those patterns can also become deeply ingrained.
Of course, Paul is speaking about something deeper than brain chemistry. He is speaking about our relationship with God. Yet there is an interesting point of connection. Both faith and science recognise that our lives are not shaped merely by isolated moments but by repeated patterns and directions. We become, in part, what we repeatedly give ourselves to.
There is caution to exercise here though. Christianity is not just positive thinking dressed up in religious language. Paul does not say that eternal life comes through optimism. There are faithful Christians who struggle with depression, anxiety, grief, and sorrow. The Bible shows us faithful followers outpouring their lament in the Psalms, so a cheerful disposition is not the same thing as holiness.
Yet Paul would encourage us to pay attention to the direction in which our hearts are moving. Are we becoming more open to God, more loving, more generous, more hopeful? Or are we becoming increasingly closed, fearful, resentful, or self-centred?
More than 1500 years after Paul’s writing the wisdom of St Ignatius of Loyola echoed these ideas. Ignatius spoke about what he called consolation and desolation. Consolation is not simply happiness. It is anything that draws us closer to God; greater faith, deeper hope, increased love. And desolation is not simply sadness. It is that which pulls us away from God, towards isolation, discouragement, and spiritual darkness.
Ignatius encouraged Christians to notice these movements within themselves.
When do I feel drawn towards God?
When do I feel pulled away?
What helps me become more loving?
What diminishes my capacity to love? In many ways, Ignatius offered us a way to apply Paul's teaching in everyday life. He presented a form of contemplative prayer called The Examen.
Paul says, "Present yourselves to God." Ignatius asks, "What is happening in your heart, and where is it leading you?"
Most of us know from experience that life often works this way. One small act of kindness can lead to another. One prayer can lead to a deeper desire to pray. One moment of forgiveness can begin to heal a relationship.
But we also know the opposite. One resentment can become a habit. One selfish choice can lead to another. One wound left unattended can slowly harden the heart.
Both Paul and Ignatius invite us to pay attention to these movements not so that we become anxious or self-obsessed, but so that we become more aware of God's grace at work within us.
Paul does not write as someone who thinks Christians are perfect. He knows about struggle. He knows about temptation. He knows about weakness. Yet he also knows that Christ has overcome sin and death.
The heart of the gospel is not that we somehow climb our way to God. It is that God has come to us in Jesus Christ. And because Christ has come to us, there is always hope.
There is always the possibility of a new beginning. There is always grace for today. There is always an invitation to move from death to life.
Perhaps that is the question we might carry with us this week. Not "Am I perfect?" Not "Have I got everything right?" But simply: "What is drawing me closer to God, and what is drawing me away?"
I’d like to try something different this morning, I’m going to stop talking at you and I’m going to invite you to join me in experiencing Ignatius’ contemplative prayer.
So let us sit comfortably and become still before God. (Pause)
Becoming Aware of God's Presence Let us take a slow breath. We remember that God is with us. We do not need to strive or pretend. The Lord who knows us completely welcomes us into his presence. (30 seconds silence)
Giving Thanks As you reflect on the past few days, what are you thankful for?
Perhaps a conversation, a kindness, a moment of beauty, strength in a difficult situation, or simply the gift of another day. Give thanks to God for those gifts. (45 seconds silence)
Noticing Consolation Think about the past week. When did you feel most alive? When did you feel closest to God? When did you experience faith, hope, love, peace, compassion, or joy? Where might God have been drawing you closer to himself? (60 seconds silence)
Noticing Desolation Now gently reflect on the week again. When did you feel distant from God? When were you tempted towards resentment, fear, discouragement, selfishness, or despair? Without judging yourself, simply notice these moments and place them before God's mercy. (60 seconds silence)
Receiving God's Forgiveness Hear these words: "If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." In silence, ask God's forgiveness where it is needed. Receive his grace. (45 seconds silence)
Looking Forward As you think about the coming week: Where is God inviting you to grow? What one step might help you move closer to him? Ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. (45 seconds silence)
Let us pray. Lord Jesus Christ, you have brought us from death to life. Help us to recognise your presence, to turn away from all that draws us from you, and to follow wherever you lead; that we may become instruments of your love, for the glory of God the Father. Amen.