January 20th - Reflection

Galatians 1:11-24 (NRSV)
The divine origin of Paul's gospel

For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism. I was violently persecuting the church of God and was trying to destroy it. I advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. But when God, who had set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, so that I might proclaim him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with any human being, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were already apostles before me, but I went away at once into Arabia, and afterwards I returned to Damascus.

Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days; but I did not see any other apostle except James the Lord's brother. In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie! Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia, and I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea that are in Christ; they only heard it said, "The one who formerly was persecuting us is now proclaiming the faith he once tried to destroy." And they glorified God because of me.

Reflection
God has set each of us apart and calls us by his grace to do the work he has set out for each one of us. Do you believe this? Do you believe that God can care for you? Do you think God pays this much attention to detail?

Here we see God's call to Paul and how Paul's life is turned around. When we are filled with the Spirit and the grace of God descends upon our lives we turn and take notice. We see and hear, taste and touch and God becomes real within us and around us. And we are set on fire with the passion of the Holy Spirit to testify what God has done in our lives.

The moment will come. Prepare yourself and look to the message that has been given for ages. Jesus is Lord and has come to save all. They will see this in you and glorify God. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, send your Holy Spirit this day. Descend upon my life and set it on fire that all my glorify you. --- Amen