This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— for surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given to me for you, and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that is, the Gentiles have become fellow-heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Reflection
Have you ever tried to put yourself in the Apostle Paul’s shoes? I have. For instance, I’ve tried to imagine how I would feel if Jesus surprised and challenged me on my way somewhere. But, alas, this kind of “Damascus Road” experience remains a mystery to me. Life Is full of them!
In this passage, which is visited each year on Epiphany and which you are reading on Halloween, the author (which may or may not have been Paul) touches on the “mystery of Christ,” which he claims was not known to past generations. This is curious, of course, given that Jesus, himself, in Luke 24, said that Moses and the prophets wrote about him. Another mystery, I guess!
Whatever the case, the author certainly seems to have some understanding of this “mystery” and of the role of God’s grace in aiding his mission of taking the “good news” to the Gentiles. I know God’s grace has intervened in my life and ministry, but I must confess that so much about life and faith remains a great, wondrous mystery to me.
The writer Anne Lamott once famously wrote, “I do not at all understand the mystery of grace—only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us.” Perhaps that is ultimately what Paul’s life story demonstrates for us. That no matter who we are, grace—whatever it is—will find us. It will find us even if, like Paul, we don’t seem to be actively seeking it. Yes, the mystery of God’s grace will find us and, as it did with Paul, it will not leave us where it found us. Thanks be to God!
Prayer
Mysterious, yet knowable God,
We thank you that,
even when we run away,
your grace seeks us out.
You find us.
Remind us amidst all of life’s mysteries
that you are there.
That’s good news!
Amen.
