For freedom Christ set us free;
so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.
Yesterday, I reflected upon the burden of freedom. Although we are created in the image of God’s freedom; and freedom is integral to our sense of being human, it costs a lot. Abused, it may destroy not only ourselves but everything around us, including our planet. Received with gratitude, we become what Eve wished to be, like God.
Saint Paul, writing his Letter to the Galatians, worried about the “Judaizers” who had compromised his converts. These “super apostles” told them that to be truly Christian they should be circumcised like Jewish men.
We know that Saint Paul had no issue with circumcision as such. He had his disciple Timothy circumcised, apparently because a Jewish congregation would not listen to the anyone who was not. But the painful initiation would not affect their standing in Christ or the Church and might make matters worse. They might consider themselves super-Christians, better than the common herd. Their last state would be worse than the first!
In his zeal, the anxious apostle said, "if you have yourselves circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you;" and "you are separated from Christ; ... you have fallen from grace."
To enjoy the freedom of Christ, you must own nothing, and least of all, a claim on salvation. Such a claim, like a claim on property, binds bind one to earth. Faith has no stake in this world.
Saint Paul always has the Crucified Christ before his mind; he reflects continually on the kenosis, the self-emptying One who did not deem equality with God something to be grasped. The Christ ignored his godness on the way to Calvary as so much rubbish.
Our treasure is Jesus's treasure, that readiness to wait, trust, and hope in God alone.
For in Christ Jesus,
neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything,
but only faith working through love.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.