Paul makes ample use of contrast, between sin and obedience, between slavery to the law and righteousness. It may sometimes seem strange to modern logic that Paul equates sin with observance of the Law. However, it is to be remembered that he is trying to present the Good News in a milieu where there was an over-emphasis on a blind, external observance of many rituals and rites. Most of these rituals had lost their connection with any basic moral value. It is obvious that Paul is advocating a Christian lifestyle with moral values rather than robot behaviour. Therefore, he insists that no amount of external observance of the Law will entitle us to God's mercy and he goes so far as to equate this kind of self-righteous attitude with sin. Is it not true that we can never know our need of God if we are preoccupied in trying to do it all ourselves, and effectively cancel Him out of our lives?

As the first reading these days insist, all is gift. We can do nothing in advance to earn the gift of God's salvation. Yet the Gospel reminds us over and over again of our accountability. We must hold ourselves in readiness, and do all that we possibly can to grow and respond to God, so that we can recognise Him and receive Him graciously when He comes.