Scripture: Galatians 2:19-20
For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Thought for the Day: In the Gospels, we read about the curtain that kept the people separated from the Holy of Holies in the temple, except the high priest who was allowed into this special place in the temple. According to the Gospel of Mark (15:38), at the time of the crucifixion, “…the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.” What had symbolically separated people from God was removed, and all of humanity was able to access God. For Paul, the language is a bit different, but when Paul spoke of dying to the law, he was speaking of barriers being removes so that he “might live to God.” But for Paul, it was more than accessibility, it was the very presence of God (Christ) who came and dwelt within him. Whether you read Mark or Paul, the story being communicated is about a relationship with the Holy Other. The One who is the Source of Life has sought to redeem the broken relationship by removing every barrier we as humans have attempted to create.
Prayer: I have built many walls and have accepted those built by others, O Gracious King, yet you are the God who does not desire to remain in some heavenly tower away from us. Thank you for coming among us and removing any burier that might have kept me from noticing. Amen.
