May 29th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Galatians 1:1-12
1 Paul an apostle—sent neither by human commission nor from human authorities, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2 and all the members of God's family who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to set us free from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 not that there is another gospel, but there are some who are confusing you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should proclaim to you a gospel contrary to what we proclaimed to you, let that one be accursed! 9 As we have said before, so now I repeat, if anyone proclaims to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let that one be accursed! 10 Am I now seeking human approval, or God's approval? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still pleasing people, I would not be a servant of Christ. 11 For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; 12 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.

Reflection
How does Jesus reveal himself to you? How do you know that any of Jesus' message is true? Why do you believe?

Think of Paul, Jesus revealed himself to Paul on the road to Damascus. Jesus revealed himself with a question. Why do you persecute me Saul? Get up and go, Saul, I'll tell you what to do. Jesus revealed himself to Saul in the midst of his sinfulness. Saul was persecuting the Christians and Jesus came to him to use him in mighty ways. Jesus changed Saul's life and now he would be called Paul. The scales fell from Saul's eyes and he saw the world in a different way. Paul was now convinced that Jesus' message was true. Paul now believed.

How does Jesus reveal himself today? Paul, greets the Galatians with grace and peace. Today in the same way we are greeted by Jesus with grace and peace. Jesus grants us his grace. Jesus life, ministry, healing, crucifixion, death, resurrection and ascension, is the very gift of grace that we have been given. A love that saves our lives from the eternal damnation and hell that we deserve for our sinfulness. Jesus came to the world over 2000 years ago and granted salvation that lasts from before time began to after time is recorded. God sent Jesus in flesh and grace to give us life and to bring us out of death into that great Light of Christ.

In this grace we live in the peace of the knowledge and hope only God could give. As we live this life in health or in illness, in conflict or out of conflict, as we live the ups and downs of the emotions of this life; we live it in the hope and peace that God has taken care of all of our needs and wants and has prepared a place for us to live with him in heaven. Jesus was the first of the resurrection and promises that all believers will follow him. Grace and peace to you!

Jesus also reveals himself to us in the Holy Scripture. In the Bible, in the Gospels, Jesus reveals himself. Read it! Jesus is there in the Old Testament, in the New Testament, in the Psalms, in the letters and in the prophets. Jesus is there and revealed in Scripture for all to see. Jesus reveals himself to us in the Holy Scriptures.

Jesus reveals himself in creation. Look around, you will see Jesus hand, his touch of life. Jesus reveals himself in those in need, in the hungry in the poor in the rich. Look and notice the blessings of Jesus that surround you day after day. Look and think about it! You will see Jesus.

And Jesus reveals himself to us in the Sacraments. God comes to us as Father, Son and Spirit in the waters of baptism. God comes to us in the bread and the wine as Jesus body and blood in Holy Communion. God comes to us in the confession of sins and forgives us and restores us to new life.

Now it's up to you. Do you believe? Do you know the message of Christ is true? Why do you believe?

The message is the same one. It's not a message from Paul or me or anyone else. You must discover the source on your own. Jesus is ready for you. The source of the Gospel is Jesus. The source of life is Jesus. The source of love is Jesus. God alone comes to you now. See, listen, feel, believe!

Prayer
Come Lord Jesus, come, that all may see and believe... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen