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Lenten Season · Fifth Sunday of Lent · Year A

If Third Scrutiny of the Elect: Romans 8:8-11

The Spirit Who Raised Jesus Dwells in You

March 22, 2026

The Creation of Adam (Sistine Chapel ceiling), Michelangelo
The Creation of Adam (Sistine Chapel ceiling), Michelangelo, 1508–1512Sistine Chapel, Vatican
The most reproduced detail of the ceiling. The two hands do not touch, and the cloak behind God has been read for a century as the shape of a human brain.If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you: Romans 8 is about life given to a mortal body, and this is the first time it was given.MichelangeloSculptor first and painter under protest, who spent four years on his back on the Sistine ceiling and produced the most consequential painting in Europe.Sistine Chapel, VaticanThe pope's chapel, where conclaves are held, decorated by Perugino, Botticelli and Ghirlandaio before Michelangelo was ever asked.Sistine Chapel, Vatican
Roman Lectionary
GospelJohn 11:1-45Jn 11:1-45 orJohn 11:3-7, 17, 20-27, 33b-45Jn 11:3-7, 17, 20-27, 33b-45Alt. GospelIf Third Scrutiny of the Elect: John 11:1-45If Third Scrutiny of the Elect: Jn 11:1-45 orJohn 11:3-7, 17, 20-27, 33b-45Jn 11:3-7, 17, 20-27, 33b-45
Second ReadingRom. 8:8-11Rom 8:8-11Alt. 2nd ReadingIf Third Scrutiny of the Elect: Romans 8:8-11If Third Scrutiny of the Elect: Rom 8:8-11
First ReadingEzek. 37:12-14Ez 37:12-14Alt. 1st ReadingIf Third Scrutiny of the Elect: Ezekiel 37:12-14If Third Scrutiny of the Elect: Ez 37:12-14
Responsorial PsalmPs. 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 (7)Ps 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 (7)Alt. PsalmIf Third Scrutiny of the Elect: Psalm 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 (7)If Third Scrutiny of the Elect: Ps 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 (7)

Overview & Insights

"If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also." (Romans 8:11)

Paul tells the Romans that those in the flesh cannot please God, but the Spirit of God dwelling in them is itself the guarantee that the same Spirit who raised Jesus will give life to their mortal bodies. It is Paul's own theological version of this Sunday's Ezekiel and Lazarus readings.

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Take it further: If Third Scrutiny of the Elect: Romans 8:8-11

Commentary

Commentary on Romans 8:6-11Commentary on Rom 8:6-11 Working Preacher

Working Preacher reads the passage as a word of assurance, promising that the Spirit has already done what the believer cannot do for themselves.

Romans 8:6-11 CommentaryRom 8:6-11 Commentary CEP

CEP unpacks Paul's use of flesh as rebellious human nature rather than skin and muscle.

Romans 8 CommentaryRom 8 Commentary Enduring Word

David Guzik's notes work verse by verse through the contrast between the mind set on the flesh and the mind set on the Spirit.

Romans 8:4-9 CommentaryRom 8:4-9 Commentary Precept Austin

Precept Austin's verse notes on Romans 8:4-9 cover the front half of the assigned passage in close detail.

Romans 8:11 CommentariesRom 8:11 Commentaries BibleHub

BibleHub stacks classic commentaries on verse 11's promise of life for mortal bodies.

Romans 8 - Haydock's Catholic Bible CommentaryRom 8 - Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary New Advent / Haydock

Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary reads the indwelling Spirit as the pledge of the body's own future resurrection.

Background & Word Study

Romans 8:11 Interlinear GreekRom 8:11 Interlinear Greek BibleHub interlinear

The Greek interlinear shows the participle behind the Spirit who raised Jesus dwelling in the believer.

The Church Fathers

Romans 8 - Catena Aurea / Church FathersRom 8 - Catena Aurea / Church Fathers Catena

Catena collects patristic comment on the chapter's teaching on flesh, Spirit, and the pledge of resurrection.

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