Monday 7 October 2024
Our Lady of the Rosary
Galatians 1:6-12. The Lord will remember his covenant forever – Psalm 110(111):1-2, 7-10. Luke 10:25-37.
Salvation comes through faith in Christ
Paul’s letter to the Galatians can be an uncomfortable read, as the apostle chastises the Galatian church for distorting the Gospel by imposing legalistic conditions for salvation. The early church was radically egalitarian and inclusive, welcoming anyone regardless of social status – a revolutionary concept in a highly stratified society. For those with low social status, joining this new community offered hope and belonging. However, human nature tends to resist such wild egalitarianism, pushing us to create hierarchies. The Galatians succumbed to this tendency, forming a new hierarchy based on legalistic righteousness. This, Paul argues, perverts the true Gospel. Instead of embracing the simplicity and inclusivity of faith in Christ, they replaced it with a system of rules and self-righteousness. Paul’s message is clear: salvation comes through faith in Christ, not through legalistic adherence to the law. He challenges us to reflect on our tendencies to seek approval through achievements rather than genuine faith, urging us to embrace the profound simplicity of the Gospel without embellishment.
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