You crazy Galatians! Did someone put a spell on you? Galatians 3:1
The Epistle to the Galatians is a story of freedom. It is also a wake-up call! It reflects our journey, including both our failures and triumphs. Eugene Peterson writes, “…each story tells how a person has been set free from the confines of small ideas, from the chains of what others think, from the cages of guilt and regret, from the prison of self, and from our separation from God.” Each story is unique—what we call “único” in Spanish. Yet, every story shares common elements.
Paul expresses his frustrations in Galatians passionately. He recounts his past of persecuting Christians until the day he was knocked off his high horse, blinded, and asked, “Why, Saul, why?” His powerful story of transformation is testimony that anyone can change in Christ Jesus. With God, nothing is wasted, nothing is impossible, all is made new.
Over the years, I have grown weary of sharing my story. I’ve learned to keep it hidden, out of sight, and silent. Yet, it still seeps out through the cracks and crevices of my brokenness, and that scares me. How can I let you see who I truly am? Despite this fear, I believe that the answers to all our “Whys” lie in our common experiences. We are all embraced by God’s unwavering love. Our cracks and crevices are held together by His grace and mercy. Accepting this unconditional love can be overwhelming, especially when we focus on the shame of our brokenness. The small, confining prison often calls us back. Crazy, right!?
But I have good news: the door to that prison is gone. You can walk out again; you can start anew. Jesus is present in our brokenness, the prison door is gone, and we have been set free. We choose this freedom with the strength of the Holy Spirit with every breath we take. There is no going back; you belong to God.
Lord Jesus, thank you for guiding us along our path. Thank you for loving us as we are and for always inviting us into the wondrous yet daunting life of freedom. Help us remember that our past does not define our identity. Our human story is defined by your life, death, and resurrection. Amen.
The Rev. Maritza Torres Dolich is Pastor at St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Allentown, PA.
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