March 18th - Reflection

Romans 3:21-31 (NRSV)
Paul relates law and faith
But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies the one who has faith in Jesus.


Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. By what law? By that of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since God is one; and he will justify the circumcised on the ground of faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.

Reflection
When we witness the bright light of the Savior, Jesus Christ, we begin to see just the beginnings of the greatness of God. We can't fathom how far God reaches out in love to his people. So, when we witness just a peek at this light we know that it's not all about us. In fact we feel awed that there is anything about us. We feel the love of God for each one of us. God is so big and we are so small, that it is amazing that we could even be cared for. What a wonderful feeling this becomes. How loved and important we are in the eyes of God.

And we also begin to learn about salvation through this great Light of Jesus. We could never achieve salvation. Never through obedience to the law or by good works. God's salvation is so far beyond all this. The Law and good works are now responses to the realization that the Light and love of Christ is our way to salvation. Jesus gave us salvation through his love for us.

And back to the beginning thought. How vast and how wide is the love of God. This Light of the mountain became the light of the valley, of the world, of the universe, of all. And in this Light of Christ shines salvation for all. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Awestruck by your Holiness, I can only say thanks! Thanks be to God! --- Amen