I know I said this before but it has happened again! The readings for the day are so relevant to life today. How often do scripture passages strike a chord with you?!

It was just announced that my nephew and his wife are going to have their first baby and we were sent his/her first picture, the sonogram: “But when God, who from my mother’s womb had set me apart was pleased to reveal his Son to me.” - Galatians 1:15

Life is precious. All life is precious: pre-birth, post-birth and after-life. So precious that we are individually set apart by God from our mother’s womb to have his Son revealed to us! Thank you God.

Paul (formerly Saul), the author of Galatians, is one of my go to guys. I go to Paul when reflecting on my past and ongoing conversion. Paul is the Apostle who continually reminds me of my personal invitation to conversion and transformation while encountering the revelation of Jesus Christ. I go to Paul when I am convicted of persecution. I also go to Paul when I need guidance for evangelization.

Today’s readings are packed full of why life is precious. In 1 Kings and Luke we hear about living and dying and just how close the two are related. In both stories, the women experiencing the death of their sons had already experienced the death of their spouses. They were widows. I recently attended the 90th birthday celebration of a dear woman. Along with her, were several other women, all widows. They talked about how they still felt the presence at certain times of their deceased loved ones. One of the woman had such a big smile as she told us her experience of her deceased spouse. She would fall asleep in her chair at night and he would tap her shoulder to let her know it was time for bed. She says that sometimes she still feels the tap.

As I read and re-read both of these two stories, my focus continually turned towards spiritual death rather than physical death. Jesus is available to touch us today and return the life breath to our soul. God continues to visit his people. Thank you God.

“You changed my mourning into dancing;
O LORD, my God, forever will I give you thanks.” - Psalm 30:11

Life is precious. All life is precious: pre-birth, post-birth and after-life. So precious that we are individually set apart by God from our mother’s womb to have his Son revealed to us! Thank you God.