“And I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that I have often purposed to come unto you, (and have been hindered hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. To the Greeks and to the barbarians, to the wise and to the unwise, I am a debtor; so (as much as is in me) I am ready to preach the gospel to you also that are at Rome.”
Paul, beyond having a good will towards the Romans, desired to show his love for them by coming to see them: “My little children, let us not love in word, nor in tongue, but in deed, and in truth” (1 John 3:18). However, there was an obstacle that prevented him. What this is specifically is not of import, but it did take place that St. Paul may be able to bear the fruit necessary among the Romans when the harvest was most ripe: “He shall be like a tree…which shall bring forth its fruit, in due season” (Psalm 1:3). We see St. Paul frequently endeavoring to preach to certain peoples: “they were forbidden by the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia” (Acts 16:6), showing that God knows where you will bear the most abundant fruit, and this may not be according to your own inclinations, but through patience He will place you in the place where the window of your life will allow for the most sunshine: “We glory also in tribulations, knowing that tribulation worketh patience” (Romans 5:3). However, even when his intention is prevented, he desires to make known to the Romans his plans, that they may be warmed by his love; “my soul melted when he spoke” (Song 5:6), and thereby hear his words with greater receptivity. Now, this mission of love was to all: “I became all things to all men, that I might save all” (1 Corinthians 9:22). He places himself beneath the learned, the unlearned, the Jew, the Gentile, the cultured and uncultured, that each may know how loved they are. This is done through the life of a servant: “If any man desire to be first, he shall be the last of all, and be minister of all” (Mark 9:34). Therefore, because his apostolate of love and preaching is open to all, it is in no way restricted from those at Rome, that they may not feel abandoned. Give yourself, o Theophila, to all, bring a washrag and basin into your every interaction, that putting yourself beneath all that come across your path, you sow the most possible seeds in the hearts of your neighbors. Let love be your guide and commander in all things, and you will find the greatest possible expression of yourself.