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God’s Mysterious and Irrevocable Plan – Mercy Through Disobedience (Rom. 11:25-36)

I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers, so that you will not become wise [in] your own estimation: a hardening has come upon Israel in part, until the full number of the Gentiles comes in, 26 and thus all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The deliverer will come out of Zion, he will turn away godlessness from Jacob; 27 and this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” 28 In respect to the gospel, they are enemies on your account; but in respect to election, they are beloved because of the patriarchs. 29 For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable. 30 Just as you once disobeyed God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, 31so they have now disobeyed in order that, by virtue of the mercy shown to you, they too may [now] receive mercy. 32 For God delivered all to disobedience, that he might have mercy upon all. 33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways! 34“For who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been his counselor?” 35 “Or who has given him anything that he may be repaid?” 36 For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

Paul addresses the Gentile Christians in Rome, unveiling the mystery of God’s hidden plan—that Israel’s partial rejection of the gospel is ultimately part of God’s providential design for salvation. He cautions the Gentile converts against pride and overconfidence, reminding them that Israel’s present exclusion is partial and temporary, allowing time for the “full number of the Gentiles” to come in (Rom. 11:25). This “hardening” is a form of spiritual resistance that has partially come upon Israel, as seen in Isaiah 6:9-10. While many Israelites have not accepted the gospel message, Paul foresees a time when Israel, too, will experience full inclusion in God’s salvation plan.

By quoting from Isaiah 59:20-21 and Jeremiah 31:33-34, Paul presents a hopeful vision where the covenant God made with Israel is fulfilled, and their sins are taken away (cf. Heb. 8:12). The blessings given to Israel and their election as God’s chosen people remain irrevocable (Rom. 11:29; cf. Deut. 7:9), highlighting God’s unwavering fidelity to His covenantal promises.

Paul contrasts the disobedience and mercy experienced by both Jews and Gentiles in God’s providential design. Before hearing the gospel, the Gentiles were distant from the covenants of Israel and alienated from a direct relationship with God (cf. Eph. 2:11-13).  However, through Israel’s widespread but partial rejection of Christ, Gentiles have now received mercy.  This mercy extended to the Gentiles is part of God’s plan, whereby Israel’s temporary “hardening” (cf. Rom. 11:25) opens the door for Gentile inclusion.

Just as Gentile believers received mercy because of Israel’s disobedience, Paul foresees that Israel will, in turn, receive mercy because of the mercy shown to the Gentiles.  God allowed all to experience disobedience not to condemn them but to extend His mercy universally (Rom. 11:32).  The mercy shown to the Gentiles becomes a catalyst for Israel’s future reconciliation, fulfilling God’s desire to bring both Jews and Gentiles into His covenant.

In awe of God’s wisdom, Paul reflects on the mysteries of God’s plan, which surpasses human understanding.  Quoting from the Old Testament (cf. Is. 40:13), he emphasizes that no one has known the mind of the Lord or served as His counselor.  God is self-sufficient, needing neither advice nor guidance (cf. Job 15:8), and owes nothing to anyone (cf. Job 41:11).  All things originate from God, are sustained by Him, and ultimately serve His glory.

Almighty God, in Your infinite wisdom and mercy, You have woven together a plan for all people to share in Your salvation. We stand in awe of Your ways, which are beyond our understanding, and we thank You for Your unending faithfulness. Open our hearts to trust in Your divine will, and may all glory be Yours, now and forever.  This we pray through Christ our Lord.  Amen!
                                                       
References
  • McSorley, Joseph. An Outline History of the Church by Centuries (From St. Peter to Pius XII). 2nd ed., B. Herder Book Co., 1944.
  • Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
  • Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
  • Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
  • Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
  • Charpentier, Etienne. How to Read the Old Testament. Translated by John Bowden, 1981.
  • Komonchak, Joseph, et al., editors. The New Dictionary of Theology.

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