Faith in God

  St. Paul seems to me to be the great interpreter of what the life, death and resurrection of Jesus meant for both Jews and Gentiles.  How is it that someone who never met Jesus in the flesh becomes the theologian who works out the applications of what Jesus accomplished?  Paul himself says it was by revelation, not by the teaching of the other apostles (Galatians 1:11-24).

  When he writes to the Galatians to reinforce what he had previously taught them, Paul begins with the example of Abraham.  "Those who believe (in God) are children of Abraham" (Gal 3:7).  It's a simple statement, but with it Paul extends the promise made to Abraham to both Jews and Gentiles, and indeed to all who have faith.  This was not generally accepted Jewish teaching.  It was a revelation from God.   "So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith" (Gal 3:9). 

  But faith in God, lived under the law, as Paul will demonstrate, will only get you so far.  The work of Jesus and faith in him is necessary.

  Let us pray.  Thank you, Father, for bringing us to faith.  We thank you for Abraham and Sarah, Miriam, Aaron and Moses, Saul, David, Solomon, Isaiah, and Jeremiah.  We thank you for all the men and women who have listened to you over the centuries.  We thank you for the promise made to Abraham and Sarah and the law given to Moses.  We thank you for the bravery of David and the wisdom of Solomon.  We thank you for your prophets who spoke your word at the cost of their lives.  May we be inspired and graced to follow their example.

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