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In Paul’s letter to the Romans, we find the fullest and most balanced statement of his theology. And we see how pertinent it is in our present time.

Both Paul and Jesus were Jews – steeped in the knowledge of Old Testament scriptures and the promises and predictions embodied therein. Through them – Isaiah speaks again, this time of hope, of inclusiveness and of the Gentiles. How can we follow Jesus if we are not ourselves truly inclusive?

Often it is helpful to ‘walk in the other person’s shoes.’ If we imagine ourselves being in the 1^st Century, we are – without a doubt – the Gentiles. We are not in the first line of acceptance. We are the rejected ones. We are the ones who are often not allowed to sit at the table.

There are people in our country today who have received or are receiving similar treatment. I remember my first teaching experience. It was at an inner-city middle school. 99% of the students were Afro-American. “Black is Beautiful” was the theme of the year – on all the blackboards, in all the hallways. The kids were exuberant – and assertive!

I learned a lot that year. Suddenly believing they could be included and accepted, these young people flaunted their new-found freedom. And from being people I had only read about, they became interesting, unique individuals – with potential galore, and sometimes too much creativity. But, knowing them, I came to realize they were my sisters and brothers in every way. Never to be excluded again!

It is this hope for inclusiveness, even ‘to put others first,’ that Paul is proclaiming. It takes fortitude (courage; strength of mind) to maintain this hope – and live it out! Christ is our model. Obedient to the prophets, Jesus lived a life of inclusiveness. This passage exudes hope – for the way of acceptance for all – of rejection for no one!

What a new thing that could be!