As we continue our study of the biblical background informing the Life of Christ icon, we come to the story of Christ’s being presented in the temple. Psalm 8, Galatians 4, and St Luke’s Gospel all reinforce how Jesus fulfills the our mission to care for creation, as well as God’s mission to bring us into his family and rescue us Jew and Gentile alike from sin and death. As part of Christ’s body may we all grow in our stewardship, gratitude, and trust in our Lord’s great salvation.
As we conclude Galatians (chapter 6), we find St Paul encouraging us to live in ways that build true Christian community. May we find ourselves growing closer to God and one another as we pursue unity, humility, generosity, grace, & courage.
Continuing through Galatians, in chapter 5 we discover what true spiritual freedom is – walking according to the Spirit, not according to the flesh. I pray that you might cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in order to be truly spiritual and genuine free.
Sometimes, you have to go with the trajectory of the lectionary, not the literal lessons. Galatians 4 was just too meaty to miss. May we all find spiritual freedom as children of God, as our spirits cry, “Abba! Father!” through faith in Christ.
Continuing through Galatians (extended chapter here) from our readings, we find St Paul laying the groundwork for salvation to the promise given to Abraham. As you reflect, I invite you to rejoice that all people are invited to become children of Abraham through faith in Christ!
Justification by faith is one of those great Bible doctrines that has inspired generations of Christians to vibrant, confident relationship with God. As you read today’s lessons (see extended context from Galatians here) and reflect on the truth of our being restored back to God simply because we trust Jesus, may you likewise find faith truly effortless.
Paul continues his corrective of the Galatian churches this Sunday by pointing out how the true Gospel transforms lives for the better…starting with his own life. May we all find the truth of the Good news and our own encounter with Jesus Christ proves equally transformational!
Today we begin the long haul through Ordinary Time. Today the lectionary readings also begin to work through St Paul’s letter to the Galatians. My prayer is that we don’t become swayed by a false gospel rooted in this material world, but in the promises of Christ’s kingdom we have by faith in his sacrifice upon the cross.
Country Parson at Large 