Romans 8:14-23
A reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a
spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we
cry, "Abba, Father!" The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of
God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with
him so that we may also be glorified with him. I consider that the sufferings of this present
time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. For creation awaits with
eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; for creation was made subject to
futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation
itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the
children of God. We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not
only that, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, we also groan within
ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
The Word of the Lord
New Testament Reading #5