Seven Husbands
Today’s episode provides clarity on the differences between three Jewish groups (the Sadducees, Pharisees, and scribes). Our discussion then turned to the Sadducees and their scenario of the woman with seven husbands. We highlighted how this story helps us realize we must begin living our eternal life in the here and now. By following God’s commandments in our earthly life, we will be better prepared to continue in our life eternal to experience the joy and peace that comes with obedience to God.
For You Are All One in Christ Jesus
We discuss St. Paul’s declaration of equality and what it means to be sons of God by adoption. Fr Aaron explained that we will be judged only by whether we followed the law of Christ and not preferentially based on our social status, our gender or ethnicity. In breaking down the barriers between Jew and Gentile, we were reminded that Christ brought His message so that all might be saved. To be a son of God by adoption, we are to be like Him in all things; to be gracious to all people; and to not allow our prejudices to cause us to stumble. And finally, in discussing Paul’s reference to our faith and our baptism, we were reminded that baptism is an act of grace. It is received, not acquired. It is symbolic of Christ offering us salvation, of a washing of our sins, of a spiritual death; all so that we may be raised to walk in newness of life.