3 October 2022
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.
From Galatians 1: 6-12, NRSV
Today’s first reading marks the beginning of a series of readings from Paul’s letter to the Galatians. This letter is considered amongst Paul’s most forceful writing. He has some very stern things to say to the people who were straying from the gospel message and to the false teachers who were leading them astray. Many people still treasured the Jewish law with its long tradition and were easily persuaded that their salvation lay in following this law rather than trusting that their salvation lay in Christ. The stakes were high for Paul as his whole mission was under threat. He was being portrayed as fraudulent. After spelling out in no uncertain terms his disappointment at the promptness with which the people have turned away from the Good News, Paul strongly asserts his authority as an apostle of Christ – as someone personally called by Christ.
- Why was Paul so disappointed with the Galatians?
- Do the traditions and “laws” of our religion ever get in the way of our relationship with the person of Jesus? What can we do to keep the right balance?
- Spend some time reflecting on Christ’s personal call to you and what this means for your life.
Image: By Valentin de Boulogne https://commons.wikimedia.org
