Romans 8:22-30
On this earth, defiled as it is by sin, injustice, suffering and fear reign. Man has subjected all creation (by which we understand the whole of the cosmos today) to the service of his vanity (v. 20), and his corruption (v. 21). The groans of all those who are oppressed rise up to the great Judge (Lamentations 3:34-36). We ourselves also groan in our "body of humiliation" (Philippians 3:21). We feel the weariness of sin which surrounds us and which, moreover, we must be continually judging in ourselves (v. 13). Our infirmity is great: we do not know how to pray or what to ask. Another work of the Holy Spirit is to intercede for us in a language which God understands (v. 27). We no longer know what is good for us. But v. 28 assures us that everything that happens has been ordered by God, and ultimately forms part of "His purpose", of which Christ is the centre. For it is in order to give His Son companions in the glory that God has foreknown, predestinated, called, justified and glorified these beings, once miserable and lost, whom He is now preparing for their heavenly vocation (v. 29). What a sublime chain of divine counsels which links eternity past with eternity to come and which gives meaning to the present time!