Spotlight

Galatians 2:1-10  New English Translation

Then after fourteen years I went up to Jerusalem again with Barnabas, taking Titus along too. I went there because of a revelation and presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did so only in a private meeting with the influential people, to make sure that I was not running—or had not run—in vain. Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, although he was a Greek. Now this matter arose because of the false brothers with false pretenses who slipped in unnoticed to spy on our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, to make us slaves. But we did not surrender to them even for a moment, in order that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.

But from those who were influential (whatever they were makes no difference to me; God shows no favoritism between people)—those influential leaders added nothing to my message. On the contrary, when they saw that I was entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised just as Peter was entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised (for he who empowered Peter for his apostleship to the circumcised also empowered me for my apostleship to the Gentiles) and when James, Cephas, and John, who had a reputation as pillars, recognized the grace that had been given to me, they gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship, agreeing that we would go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. They requested only that we remember the poor, the very thing I also was eager to do.

Reflection

     I know I am not alone in enjoying Paul's writing in the letter to the church in Galatia. It isn't just that he has his grumpy pants on. Although, it is certainly entertaining. No, it is much more than that. Paul isn't just having a bad moment, these are serious issues about central matters in the Gospel. Yet, it is still enjoyable to read Paul issue a "whatever..." about the influencers. It is the second part of that additional comment, "God shows no favoritism between people," that packs a punch. Buried deep within that phrase is the answer to a great many of life's questions. Power, prestige, influence, and all the things that gain great weight in human circles find no place among God's Reigning Way. We artificially make many boundaries, lines, and barriers that God does not honor or utilize. Even more, God's mission and invitation to participation greatly broadened through Christ Jesus. The spotlight on the chosen people to get the job done has been widened and expanded. The light shines on all of us and each of us. The job, by the way, clearly includes the poor!

Dear Lord,

Sometimes we lose our focus and get distracted by so many things that don't really matter to you. We pray your guidance for our attention and our efforts, that they would be in accord and aligned with your plan and path. In your unifying Name, we pray. Amen.