“But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a disciplinarian [the law].”
And then Paul beautifully describes how so many things that used to separate us have fallen away because, through Christ, we have all become children of God: Brothers and sisters to him and to one another. Then, he puts the cherry on top! —
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, … for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
We went through Pauline hell in this letter all through the week, but alas, we have arrived. So it was worth it!
Then this short passage from Luke — just two verses — echoes and proclaims with real understanding the power of this faith in and through Christ. A woman calls out saying —
“Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.”
And surely Jesus was not discounting Mary’s delivering him into this mortal life, and her unique role in salvation history. Rather, Jesus went deeper, as usual; in a heartbeat, he responded to this woman’s declaration, saying —
“Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”
Indwelling words! Indwelling Spirit! Fullness of grace and blessing! Both Paul and Jesus speak it loudly and clearly, and so hopefully we listen and hear!
