I’ve always been attracted to the writings of Saint Paul, and yet, I don’t remember the reading from Galatians making an impression like it did yesterday as I read and prayed over it.
How can you miss the way he starts his letter: “O stupid Galatians!” Imagine opening up the letter from Saint Paul and reading that; and then needing to read it aloud to the others with you. Obviously, Saint Paul has had it; but we shouldn’t confuse tough love language with an ad hominin attack.
Saint Paul is really concerned, and the emotional use of the word “stupid,” also translated as “foolish” in some versions, speaks to Paul’s love for the Galatians. The evidence of this is in the second sentence of his letter that asks, “who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?”
A Wake-up Call
Paul is shocked and worried because the very people of Galatia, to whom Paul taught that only Jesus brings salvation, have forgotten his message. It strikes me as almost unbelievable that someone could come along after Paul and capture your attention. But it is a reminder that, from the beginning of Christianity, men and women have been susceptible to both external and internal counter messaging to the gospel, and that we all need a wake-up call from time to time to stay on course with Jesus.
At the time of Paul’s letter, most likely the people from Galatia were spiritually immature or naïve; they didn’t realize that they would need to have the spiritual discipline to remain focused on the authentic teachings of the Apostles and not become complacent or get caught up in an alternative message from a persuasive speaker.
Salvation Through Christ
Over two thousand years later, whether we are young, middle aged, or senior citizens, we also need to be reminded that our salvation comes from the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It is a truth that we can never hear too many times and one who depth and mystery can never be exhausted.
Saint Paul’s wake-up call is for all of us too. It is our reminder each day to keep our eyes fixed on the image of Christ on the cross. If we don’t have a crucifix in our homes, it is a reminder to get one and place it prominently, somewhere we will see it every day, so that we won’t get distracted and will always remember that Jesus is our reason for hope.
Saint Paul, pray for us!
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