Of the free

So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free. – Gal 4:31

 

Photo by Pexels.com

Galatians 4:31 reminds us of a very important truth: through faith in Jesus Christ, we are no longer bound by slavery to sin, fear, or the impossible burden of trying to earn God's acceptance, including keeping the Mosaic law. We are not in bondage anymore. Instead, we belong to God's family as children of the promise, living in the freedom that Christ has secured for us by his all-sufficient sacrifice on the cross.

In Galatians 4:21-31, the apostle Paul contrasts slavery with freedom. Slavery represents a life of relying on human effort to achieve righteousness, while freedom represents the grace of God received by faith, a free gift. Sarah, the free woman, represents the covenant of promise and the Jerusalem above. Hagar, the Egyptian slave, represents the covenant given at Mount Sinai, the law, that brings bondage and not freedom. In this fourth chapter, the apostle Paul clearly distinguish between the two covenants (Gal 4:24).

Today, let's remember who we are. We are not defined by our past, by failures or by the expectations of the world. In Christ, we are children of the free woman—a child of God's promise. 

Live each day with the assurance that our Lord Jesus Christ, who has set us free, will continue to lead us as the Great Shepherd. Leading us to green pastures if we listen to His voice.

Reflection on Galatians 4:16-31 by Hanne

Redeem

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might have adoption as children.” – Galatians 4: 4-5

Pexels.com

Dear friends in Christ Jesus, in today’s bible passage we are able to reflect on the deep mysteries of our own redemption. The Jewish community was so much immersed into the law and they believed in it. The Jewish people were enslaved to their own law. The laws did not help them but rather gave them troubles in their daily life. Jesus who is born as a Jew is also born under the law. Jesus was not enslaved to the law. He was above the law. At the same time Jesus knew very well what the situation of the Jewish community was and how much they were troubled with their own laws. Jesus wanted them to be redeemed. Jesus was sent to the world by his Father to redeem the whole world from all kinds of slavery. Jesus wanted to give us proper identity as the children of God.

We all know that after the death and resurrection of Jesus, the Father sent to the world the Spirit of his Son so that we all might be able to inherit the kingdom of God as the children of God. In Christ Jesus, we are all children of God through faith. The moment we got baptized we were clothed with Christ. As children of God we are also heirs of God. This is a great gift that God is giving to each one of us who are created in his image and likeness.

Dear Friends, let us be grateful to God the Father for sending his Son and Holy Spirit. Let us thank God for his love for each one of us especially for redeeming us. Let us thank God for the gift of faith. Let us thank God for the sacrament of baptism. Let us thank God for making us his children. Let us thank God for making us his heirs. Let us thank God for the gift of eternal life. Amen.

Bible Reflection on Galatians 4: 1-15 by Fr. George Joseph SVD

One in Christ Jesus

There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise - Gal 3:28-29

Pexels.com

Reflecting on the pastoral writings of St. Paul to the church in Galatia, primarily of early Gentile converts, as well as Jewish believers, who were insisting that gentile converts must adhere to Jewish Laws, which included circumcision.

This Spirit-inspired pastoral letter addressed the conflict that was arising in this early Christian community and forms an important cornerstone of an important teaching about justification by faith and not by works of the Law. St Paul addresses the concerns of the Jewish converts that it was God who justified. 

This is a timely reminder to all believers that we are all one in Christ Jesus. If we belong to Christ, then automatically we are included as heirs to God’s kingdom. This was an unbroken Abrahamic Promise that God Himself had covenanted with Abram, when a flaming torch had passed between the carcasses, signifying that the Almighty God Himself was ratifying His everlasting Promises to Abram. (of Land, Nationhood & universal blessing). A perpetual blessing sealed in the One-Time Perfect Sacrifice of Christ Jesus. 

Reflecting on this passage and my own journey: I am acutely aware of the boundless grace & mercy freely given to me, even when I was walking in darkness and denied His existence as formerly fervent Buddhist believer. 

I’ll close my short sharing with this timeless hymn penned by a convicted former slave trader (John Newton) Amazing Grace (sung by: Rosemary Siemens) 

V1

Amazing Grace how sweet the sound 

That saved a wretch like me 

I once was lost, but now am found 

Was blind but now I see 

V2

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear 

And grace my fears relieved 

How precious did that grace appear 

The hour I first believed 

V3

When we’ve been there ten thousand years 

Bright shining as the sun 

We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise 

Than when we’ve first begun 

Was blind but now I see

Composed by: John Newton (in 1779)
YouTube link:  https://youtu.be/Rw2VWje6tEo?si=IDxm2-tCD0GmD2ds

Reflection on Galatians 3:15-29 by Chris Tan

The just shall live by faith

But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. – Galatians 3:11

Pexels.com

In the first few verses of Chapter 3 in the epistle to the Galatians, the apostle Paul is sternly warning the Galatians against adding the law of Moses to the Gospel. Twice he calls their acts foolish. Paul is using strong language. Faith versus keeping the law of Moses seems to be the crucial issue here. 

Paul uses the example of Abraham’s faith and faithfulness. Abraham, who lived long before the law was given, was justified by God by faith. Abraham believed in God, and it was counted to him as righteousness (Galatians 3:6). Paul reminds them that the legacy of Abraham was not obedience to law or works of the flesh; it was faith in God.

The apostle Paul clearly states that ‘’no man is justified by the law’’. Paul is referring here to the Law of Moses. Paul points out that the law is not of (or from) faith (Galatians 3:12). The law was about works to demonstrate the need for faith.

Paul explains that “the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ” (Galatians 3:22). Our Lord Jesus Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law (Moses’ law). The Messiah has come and has redeemed us from obeying the hundreds of laws from the old covenant.

Let's have faith in our Redeemer Jesus Christ.

Reflection on Galatians 3:1-14 by Hanne

Servant of Christ

If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ - Galatians 1:10

Pexels.com

Through these passages, Jesus reminds us that everything we do in this world is solely for the glory of Christ. Whether we are believers or not, God sends us into the world with a specific mission, even though we often fail to realize it. 

Everything that happens in our lives occurs by God’s permission, and there is always a message for us to discover behind every event. As Christians, we must recognize that the glory of Christ is the top priority in all our endeavors, for He is the source of the knowledge, skills, and even the provision we receive to multiply the talents and abilities we possess. There is no reason for a Christian to boast, nor is there any reason to seek to direct praise and glory toward oneself.

God is very displeased with people who are arrogant and boastful.  We should always realize that we are nothing without God.  If it weren't for His will, we wouldn't be present in the world, we wouldn't be living the life we ​​are living now.  Through the scripture verse above, the message conveyed to us is very clear, that we should never try to look great in the eyes of humans because there is still a God who is always watching our movements at all times.  

Don't be arrogant and boast because our God is not pleased with arrogance.  Servants of Christ work to serve Christ not to please others excessively and then forget God and all His glory.  Act as a good servant who never betrays the goodness of his master.

Reflection on Galatians 1:1-10 by Sr Yanti Purnawati SFSC

A revelation of Jesus Christ

“I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.” - Galatians 1:12

Pexels.com

 In the very first chapter of the epistle to the Galatians, Paul confirms that he is not an apostle of man, but by Jesus Christ and God the father  (Gal 1:1).

In this first chapter, from verses 1:11–24, the apostle Paul is making something very clear: the gospel he preaches did not come from men, nor tradition or rabbis. It came from our Lord Jesus Christ Himself.  This is crucial because in Galatia, people were trying to change the gospel by adding rules and external requirements. Paul confronts this and confirms that the gospel was revealed by Jesus Christ. No human intervention is needed.

Furthermore, Paul warns the Galatians not to receive or listen to any other gospel (Gal 1:8) and also not to please men. Then Paul reminds the Galatians of who he was: a zealous persecutor of the church and deeply committed to the traditions. Paul says God “set me apart before I was born” and “called me by his grace.” This phrase is really important: before Paul's life was changed, God had already important plans for his life. 

Paul emphasizes that after the Damascus conversion, he did not immediately go to seek approval from human leaders in Jerusalem. Only after three years did he meet Peter and James briefly. Even then, the point was not dependence on human authority but confirmation of what God had already done.

What important lessons can we learn from this first chapter in the Galatians epistle? Firstly, the gospel is not something we can customize, add to or change as we like. Second, God’s grace is stronger than our background history. God’s calling reaches into places we would consider impossible.

Galatians 1:11–24 is such an important reminder how God transforms and turns around lives completely. Only God could take someone who was once a violent opponent of the early Christian faith and turn that person into a faithful witness.

Reflection on Galatians 1:11-24 by Hanne

 

 

The truth of the Gospel

But because of false believers secretly brought in, who slipped in to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might enslave us— we did not submit to them even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might always remain with you - Galations 2:4-5

Pexels.com

  

Reflecting on the pastoral writing of St. Paul to the young church in Galatia, especially in verse 4-5, where he highlighted the dangers of false believers, who slipped into the church to spy on them, and reminded the young believers the importance of submitting only to one and only true gospel. The gospel of Christ’s immaculate conception, through a virgin birth (prophesied many centuries before), His ministry of healing and deliverance, His arrest, cruel death by crucifixion and glorious ascension into heaven. He who is awaiting to receive us, those who are faithful to this gospel of truth till our very last breath, that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. 

My prayer for all of us, including myself, is that we will each hold firm to the One True teaching of Jesus Christ and not be swayed by many false teachers who have come since then. As our Lord sent out the Twelve with these instructions: “See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves…” (Mat 10:16) 

I’ll close my short reflection with this beautiful hymn by CityAlight Worship:

Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me 

Verse 1 

What gift of grace is Jesus my redeemer 

There is no more for heaven now to give 

He is my joy, my righteousness, and freedom 

My steadfast love, my deep and boundless peace 

Chorus 1 

To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus 

For my life is wholly bound to His 

Oh, how strange and divine, I can sing, "All is mine" 

Yet not I, but through Christ in me 

Verse 2

The night is dark but I am not forsaken 

For by my side, the Saviour He will stay 

I labour on in weakness and rejoicing 

For in my need, His power is displayed 

Chorus 2 

To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend me 

Through the deepest valley He will lead 

Oh, the night has been won, and I shall overcome 

Yet not I, but through Christ in me 

Verse 3 

No fate I dread, I know I am forgiven 

The future's sure, the price it has been paid 

For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon
And He was raised to overthrow the grave 

Chorus 3 

To this I hold, my sin has been defeated 

Jesus now and ever is my plea 

Oh, the chains are released, I can sing, "I am free" 

Yet not I, but through Christ in me 

Verse 4 

With every breath, I long to follow Jesus 

For He has said that He will bring me home 

And day by day I know He will renew me 

Until I stand with joy before the throne 

Final Chorus 

To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus 

All the glory evermore to Him 

When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat 

"Yet not I, but through Christ in me" 

To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus 

All the glory evermore to Him 

When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat 

"Yet not I, but through Christ in me" 

Ending 

When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat 

"Yet not I, but through Christ in me" 

Yet not I, but through Christ in me 

Yet not I, but through Christ in me

Songwriters: Michael Farren, Rich Thompson, Jonny Robinson. For non-commercial use only. 

Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/zundjUFazfg?si=HFj8OczDYCFyp0KQ

Reflection on Galatians 2:1-10 by Chris Tan

God of love and peace

“Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” – 2 Corinthians 13:11

Pexels.com

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, in today's Bible reflection we hear the appeal made by Paul to the Corinthian Christian community.  Paul is encouraging the people to live in faith and to examine themselves. He is warning them that God is powerful and he won’t be lenient in dealing with their sins. Paul wants the community to be strong and follow the truth. Paul is also encouraging them with his final greetings and assuring his prayers for them.

As we all know it is so important for each Christian, the community that he or she belongs to. The apostles tried their level best to build up the Christian communities in union and in faith. They loved each other, helped each other, shared with each other and lived in peace. Even though it is not an easy task with the grace of God they could do this. The Holy Spirit guides the Christian community in the best way possible.

Dear friends in Jesus, let us also take the appeal of Paul to our hearts. Whichever place or community we belong to, let us try to live in love and peace. Let us encourage each other to follow Jesus in faith. As Christians we are called to be servants for each other. Our master Jesus is the truth that we follow and in him alone we put our trust. May the Holy Spirit guide us in the true path. Amen.

Reflection on 2 Corinthians 13:1-13 by Fr. George Joseph SVD

Not as I wish

''For I fear that when I come, I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish; I fear that there may perhaps be quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder.''- 2 Corinthians 12:20

Pexels.com

Paul’s Concern for the Corinthian Church

Reflecting on the pastoral heart of St. Paul and his fear of finding disordered behaviour within the Christian community, like quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. These actions that are contrary to the fruits of the Holy Spirit (love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control) listed by St. Paul in Galatians 5:22-23. 

Reflecting on Paul's writing and my own life. I’ve realized that I’ve often fallen short of the mark that Christ has set for me. I frequently quoted Scriptures to inflate my ego as a seemingly devout Christian, while still entertaining impure habits & thoughts. These unholy habits had kept the power of the Holy Spirit and Christ from being fully enthroned in my heart, leading me into a deep pit of despair over my fallen human condition. 

As the popular saying goes, “Jesus is either Lord of all in your life or not Lord at all in your life.” My unredeemed heart remained clouded by its sinful nature until one day, in Adoration, I heard the still small Voice of my Father-in-Heaven whispered: “My child, how long will you keep running from me?” 

Like the prodigal son, I decided to turn back, and wholeheartedly follow Him, in the footsteps of our LORD Jesus Christ at Gethsemane, who prayed with such intensity until his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.” (Luke 22:44) 

Let us also reflect on the humility of our LORD Jesus, who though being God, had humbled Himself, in human form, was obedient to our Father-in-Heaven to the point of death-even death on a cross.

I'll close my reflection with this short acoustic version of "Your Will Be Done".  May we at all times, seek the perfect will of our Father-in-Heaven and one day hear Him say with the glint of  Fatherly pride in His Eyes, “Well done, good and faithful child!... Come and enter my kingdom.”

Your Will Be Done 

[Verse 1] 

Your will be done, my God and Father 

As in heaven, so on earth 

My heart is drawn to self-exalting 

Help me seek Your kingdom first 

[Chorus]

As Jesus walked, so I shall walk 

Held by Your same unchanging love 

Be still my soul, 

O lift your voice and pray: 

‘Father, not my will but Yours be done.’ 

[Verse 2] 

How in that Garden he persisted 

I may never fully know 

The fearful weight of true obedience 

It was held by him alone 

[Chorus]

What wondrous faith, to bear that cross! 

To bear my sin, what wondrous love! 

My hope was sure, 

When there my Saviour prayed: 

‘Father, not my will but Yours be done.’ 

[Verse 3] 

When I am lost, when I am broken 

In the night of fear and doubt 

Still I will trust in my good Father 

Yes, to one great King I bow! 

[Chorus]

As Jesus rose, so I shall rise 

In ransomed glory at the throne 

My heart restored 

With all your saints I sing: 

‘Father, not my will but Yours be done!’ 

[Verse 4]

As we go forth, our God and Father 

Lead us daily in the fight 

That all the world might see Your glory 

And Your Name be lifted high 

[Chorus]

And in this Name we overcome 

For You shall see us safely home 

Now as your church, we lift our voice and pray: 

‘Father, not my will but Yours be done!’

Words and music by Jonny Robinson and Rich Thompson CCLI no. 7149566 

Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/8nLXXephYRI?si=Yr71-yf0lV4FsRf1

 Reflection on 2 Corinthians 12:11-21 by Chris Tan

Humiliate | Humiliet

"My God may humiliate me" — 2 Corinthians 12:21.

Paul the Apostle knew how to humble himself before God. After his conversion, he was willing to be brought low for the sake of the Gospel, no longer wanting to be proud and selfish as he was when he persecuted Christians. Consequently, Paul frequently writes about humility as a foundational virtue of the Christian life. In his letter to the Philippians, he encourages followers of Christ to do everything in humility and to count others as more significant than themselves (cf. Phil 2:3).

For Paul, human weakness is the canvas for God’s power. Understanding that God’s grace is sufficient for him, he does not fear his own imperfections. On the contrary, he is content with his weaknesses and difficulties, knowing that when he is weak, then he is strong with the power of God. As a humble person, Paul strives to put on a "compassionate heart, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience" (cf. Col 3:12), always remembering that the Lord forgave his many mistakes. He was given the grace not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think (cf. Rom 12:3). Thanks to the virtue of humility, he saw himself exactly as God saw him. As Pope Benedict XVI beautifully noted: “Humility is not a virtue of the weak but of the strong, of those who do not need to mistreat others to feel important. Humility is the truth of life, the awareness of our smallness before the grandeur of God, which opens us up to love” (General Audience, 2005).

Reflection on 2 Corinthians 12:21  by Jozef.

(Listen to podcast here)

My grace is sufficient | Sufficit tibi gratia

"But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness" — 2 Corinthians 12:9.

Pexels.com

In this second Epistle to the Corinthians, chapter 12:7, the apostle Paul tells us about a “thorn in the flesh,” a persistent struggle that caused him pain. The exact nature of this ''thorn'' is unsure although many have speculated about it for centuries. It could have been physical, emotional or spiritual. No one wants to live with persistent pain or struggle. Paul pleaded with the Lord to remove it, but God answered differently than Paul expected: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

This passage reminds us that God does not always remove our struggles and pains. However, He always provides the strength to endure them. We often want answers without waiting too long. Yet God uses pain and struggle to deepen our faith.

The apostle Paul had to continue on this missions. Learning that this ''thorn'' should not be a barrier or hinder him to serve the Lord. That is why he could say, “When I am weak, then I am strong.” True strength is reliance on our Lord Jesus Christ.

Each of us carry our own “thorn” in life:  a burden, disappointment, illness, fears and anxieties etc. Paul's example encourages us to continue on our daily walk. God’s grace is enough for every day, no matter how difficult it might be.

So today and every day, let us trust that His grace is sufficient and that His power is still at work in us. Amen.

Reflection on 2 Corinthians 12:1–10  by Hanne

Boast | Gloriari

“If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.” – 2 Cor 11:30

Pexels.com

Dear friends in Christ Jesus,  in today’s Bible passage we hear the suffering of Paul as an apostle of Jesus. Paul as an apostle always gave glory to Jesus in his life. As an apostle of Jesus oftentimes he had to pay heavy prices, had to undergo persecutions both spiritual and physical. He was beaten many times, imprisoned many times, flogged and stoned many times. Paul underwent all through this due to the love for Jesus. Paul was united with the risen Christ. Paul was able to read the mind of Jesus and what Jesus wanted him to do for the church. Paul was anxious about the growth of the early Christian communities.

Paul says that he will boast about the weakness of himself so that he can magnify the power of Christ. We are able to read in the letter to the Galatians 6:14 – “May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” The intention of Paul is very clear, he wants to glorify God.

Dear friends in Christ Jesus, let us also try to glorify God through our lives. With pure intention through small actions of love coming out of love for Jesus we could glorify Jesus. Like Paul let us also be united with Christ knowing his will and able to read his mind. 

May God almighty me glorified forever and ever. Amen.

Bible Reflection on 2 Corinthians 11: 16-33 by Fr. George Joseph SVD

(Listen to podcast here)

Sincere and pure | Simplicitas et castitas

Your thoughts may be corrupted from a sincere and pure commitment to Christ (2 Cor 11:3).

From the time of Paradise, our thoughts have been corrupted by sin. We were created with sincere and pure hearts as children of God, but after sinning we became weaker and weaker. That is why Apostle Paul, who understood this human condition so well, teaches us to be reborn in the Holy Spirit.

We were created in the image of the Holy Trinity — born into the holy love of God the Father and nurtured by the grace of the Holy Spirit. Through Christ we began to live as God's children. Yet we often forget our dignity and, as a consequence, the dignity of our sisters and brothers.

The danger is real: we sometimes receive a different spirit — not God's Spirit — and listen to a different gospel, one born of human deception rather than divine truth. This is the very deception Paul warns against. He calls us to follow his example and humble ourselves so that Christ may exalt us.

The truth of Christ reveals our capacity for holiness: we can become holy as the apostles and saints became holy, through God's grace and sanctifying power. This is our true mission. We must love God first with all our hearts, then love ourselves as God loves us, and extend that love to one another. In this way, we become authentic witnesses of Christ's righteousness and truth in the world. Through Christ and in the love of the divine Word, Amen.

Bible Reflection on 2 Corinthians 11: 1-15 by Fr. Jozef Trzebuniak SVD.

(Listen to podcast here)

Boast in the Lord | Gloriatur

Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord. For it is not those who commend themselves that are approved, but those whom the Lord commends (2 Corinthians 10:10-18).

Pexels.com

Reflecting on 2 Corinthians 10:10-18, focus verse 17-18. Reflecting on St Paul's words who writes of boasting in the LORD and warning of the dangers of boasting in our own achievements. 

In a beautiful general audience on 6th March 2024, Pope Francis also gave a good catechesis on Vices & Virtues, specifically, on the vice of pride (General Audience of 6 March 2024 - Pope Francis). In that beautiful teaching, our (late) Pope warned about the dangers of human pride, and how it broke the intimacy of our first ancestors with God, when they had succumbed to the tempter’s lie, “when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God” (Gn 3:5). Even our first Pope, St. Peter had succumbed to the siren call of human ego and pride when he boasted in the Presence of our LORD, “Even if everyone forsakes you, I will not!” (cf. Mt 26:33), only to be overcome with remorse in the latter gospel accounts of Christ’s Arrest where Jesus’s prediction that he would deny the LORD 3 times before the rooster crows was ultimately fulfilled. (Luk 22:57-62) 

However, there’s hope for humanity, as Pope Francis said in the same address, that Salvation comes through humility, the true remedy for every act of pride. In the Magnificat, Mary sings of the God who by his power scatters the proud in the sick thoughts of their hearts. It is useless to steal anything from God, as the proud hope to do, because after all he wants to give us everything. This is why the apostle James, to his community wounded by infighting originating in pride, writes, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). 

St. John also wrote about God’s divine remedy for our sinful human hearts in 1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

Before I close this short reflection, let us also reflect on the humility of our LORD Jesus, who though being God, had humbled Himself, in human form, was obedient to our Father-in-Heaven to the point of death-even death on a cross.  

Philippians 2:3-8, NRSVCE 3 

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. 5 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God that as something to be exploited, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, 8 he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross.

May you enjoy also this short worship song, In Christ Alone, and my prayer that our boast in life ever be in Christ and Christ alone.

In Christ Alone

[Verse 1] 

In Christ alone my hope is found 

He is my light, my strength, my song 

This cornerstone, this solid ground 

Firm through the fiercest drought and storm 

What heights of love, what depths of peace 

When fears are stilled, when strivings cease 

My comforter, my all in all 

Here, in the love of Christ, I stand 

 

[Verse 2] 

In Christ alone, who took on flesh 

Fullness of God in helpless babe 

This gift of love and righteousness 

Scorned by the ones He came to save 

'Til on that cross, as Jesus died 

The wrath of God was satisfied 

For every sin, on Him, was laid 

Here, in the death of Christ, I live 

 

[Verse 3] 

There in the ground, His body lay 

Light of the world, by darkness, slain 

Then bursting forth in glorious day 

Up from the grave, He rose again 

And as He stands in victory 

Sin's curse has lost its grip on me 

For I am His and He is mine 

Bought with the precious blood of Christ 

 

[Verse 4] 

No guilt in life, no fear in death 

This is the power of Christ in me 

From life's first cry to final breath 

Jesus commands my destiny 

No power of Hell, no scheme of man 

Can ever pluck me from His hand 

'Til He returns or calls me home 

Here, in the power of Christ, I'll stand 

 

[Ending] 

No power of Hell, no scheme of man 

Can ever pluck me from His hand 

'Til He returns or calls me home 

Here, in the power of Christ, I'll stand

Words and Music by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend © 2002 Thankyou Music (PRS) / Adm. worldwide at CaptiolCMGPublishing.com, excluding Europe which is adm. by IntegrityMusic.com
Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/m_063OI38RQ?si=cZbNpMEv6btekIvB

Reflection on 2 Corinthians 10:10-18 by Chris Tan.

 

Share abundantly | Gratiarum actiones

And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work (2 Corinthians 9: 8).

Pexels.com

Dear friends in Christ Jesus, we can confidently say that every good work comes from God. God always wants us humans to be good and have everything that we need for our wellbeing. The one who created us in his image  and likeness also makes sure that we lack nothing. God wants us to have enough of everything that includes both material and spiritual. The more blessings we get from God the more we are able to help others. God loves a cheerful giver.

Paul is encouraging the Christians to support and help each other materially. Especially the one who has more should give to the one who has less. That too he should not give under compulsion or reluctantly. The person should give from his open heart with love. Paul is convinced about the fact that the more you give the more you get back. We could read about in the letter to Philippians 4:17 –“Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that accumulates to your account.”

Dear friends, our God is able to provide us with every blessing in abundance. Let us share it also with others in doing good works. Let us be more generous just like our God. Our God never fails us.

Bible Reflection on 2 Corinthians 9: 1-9 by Fr. George Joseph SVD

The grace of Christ | Gratia Christi

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Photo by Pexels.com

In this focus verse, the apostle Paul reveals the heart of the gospel. Jesus Christ had everything: glory, power, and eternal riches. He is also the Creator. Yet He chose to come into our broken world. He didn’t lose His riches by accident. He laid them down intentionally and according to His Father's will.

Seven hundred years before our Saviour was born, the prophet Isaiah prophesied about our Messiah, the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53). It was the Lord's will to take on all our sins; past, present and future; for all time. Once and for all.

He became “poor” in suffering, rejection, and sacrifice so that we could receive true riches: forgiveness and eternal life. This is grace! Undeserved, unearned and freely given.

Today, the question for us is: if our Lord Jesus Christ gave everything for us, how do we respond? Not out of guilt, but out of gratitude. We are called to live and love generously and give freely, because we have received so much. The apostle Paul urged the Corinthians and all future believers to live, love, and serve as Jesus did.

Let’s celebrate and remember that we are spiritually rich, not because of what we’ve done, but because of what Christ has done for us.

Reflection on 2 Corinthians 8: 8-15 by Hanne.

 

Kind of sorrow | Secundum Deum tristitia

For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation - 2 Corinthians 7:10.

Photo by Pixabay.com

During the Triduum Sacrum, we followed Jesus Christ through His suffering, most especially on Good Friday. We witnessed the depth of His sacrifice for our salvation. As we meditated on the Stations of the Cross, we were taught that it was love that nailed Him to the wood; because He chose love, He remained there. His ultimate purpose was to lead us away from sin.

We might reflect now on the most painful moments of our own lives. When we experience suffering, we often struggle to understand the true value of our "cross." We ask: Why did God allow me to suffer so much? Why did this happen to me? There are scars on our hearts that we often prefer to forget.

Yet, we must ask: What is the kind of sorrow God wants me to experience?

My heavenly Father, please help me to understand the value of all suffering. Strengthen me so that I may face my trials with human dignity, just as Jesus Christ did. I desire to accept the whole story of my life. I need Your grace to support me, for I am often too weak to face these challenges alone.

I pray for the grace to repent and change my ways. As a follower of Christ, I seek to be ready for whatever You have prepared for me. I surrender my past, my present, and my future to You. I trust in Your perfect, Holy Will, knowing it leads me away from sin and toward salvation.

Help me understand that godly sorrow is a necessary part of my journey to cleanse me from sin. Open my spiritual eyes so that I may see my life as You see it - clearer and deeper. May Your Holy Spirit encourage me on my spiritual journey, especially in times of suffering.

Reflection on 2 Corinthians 7:9-16 by Józef Trzebuniak.

(Listen to podcast here)

Affliction but overjoyed | Superabundo gaudio

I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy - 2 Corinthians 7:4.

Photo by Pexels.com

Reflecting on 2 Corinthians 7:1-8, focus verse 4. St. Paul speaks of his pride and consolation at the repentance of the believers in Corinth. This bustling coastal city filled with a myriad of pagan gods and goddesses, including Poseidon (god of the sea) & Aphrodite (goddess of love & fertility). It was in such a challenging spiritual climate that the early believers came to believe in the good news preached by the apostle to the gentiles. St. Paul, echoing the joyful exclamation of the father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son:  "for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' And they began to celebrate." (Luke 15:24), upon the return of his younger son. 

In this Holy Week leading up to Resurrection Sunday, let's take a moment to quiet our hearts to pray for the salvation of souls, especially among our loved ones and friends.

I'll close with this beautiful hymn that reminds us of our Heavenly Father's Love, and the Immense Price paid by Jesus at Calvary. 

How Deep the Father's Love For Us 

Verse 1 

How deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure 

That He should give His only Son, to make a wretch His treasure 

How great the pain of searing loss, the Father turned His face away 

As wounds which mar the Chosen One, bring many sons to glory 

Verse 2 

Behold the man upon a cross, my sin upon His shoulders 

Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers 

It was my sin that held Him there until it was accomplished 

His dying breath has brought me life; I know that it is finished 

Verse 3 

I will not boast in anything: no gifts, no power, no wisdom 

But I will boast in Jesus Christ; His death and resurrection 

Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer 

But this I know with all my heart: His wounds have paid my ransom 

YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/tzQj7XvKFmA?si=2-RJxget13YHhrwC 

© 1995 Thankyou Music (PRS)(admin. worldwide by EMI CMG Publishing excluding Europe which is admin. by kingswaysongs.com)

Reflection on 2 Corinthians 7:1-8 by Chris Tan.