As we enter the Lenten season, we reflect on the life of Jesus, his ministry, his sacrifice, and his love for us. Paul contrasted, in this letter, the concepts of righteousness to the law and to faith, accenting that righteousness that comes from faith is the more important. The word, God’s word, is not distant from us, rather it is near us, near our lips and our heart. Knowing Jesus and proclaiming our faith, these are what brings us into relationship with God.

This passage from Romans reminds us that just as the covenant with the Hebrew people was not remote but engaged within the people, so the covenant through Jesus is engaged with us. We are called to live into the covenant Jesus created for and among us; a renewal of the covenants of old but through his love, ministry, and sacrifice. …