April 29th - Reflection

1 Corinthians 15:1-11 (NRSV)
Witnesses to the risen Christ

Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you -- unless you have come to believe in vain.

For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe.

Reflection
Concise and to the point. This is almost like a creed. Paul expresses the gospel here and celebrates his access to God's grace along with our access to that same grace. Here is the good news for all people through all time. With Jesus' own blood and life he died for our sins. On the third day he was raised and he reigns eternal. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, you come to all people. I can't believe that you have come for me, a lost and condemned sinner! You did! I give you all praise, thanks and glory and follow you wherever you lead in your kingdom...today...tomorrow...and forever. --- Amen