Midweek Devotion 22 January 2025

Reading

Galatians 1:11,12

"I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ."

Devotion

Photo by the author

This week's artwork comes from a banner which hangs in St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Leavenworth, Kansas.  The first church of the first city of Kansas represents members of the Episcopal branch of the Jesus movement who have gathered since about 1827 with the founding of nearby Fort Leavenworth.  Incorporated as a congregation in 1856, the historic building dates from 1865 and includes a historically significant organ added in 1883.  This banner adorns the sanctuary.

The stitching is fascinating.  I encourage you to expand the image.  See how the seams represent a puzzle creating a mosaic effect.  The banner imitates stained glass.  In the body of the tapestry, we see Saul soon to be Paul in his great conversion experience.  Jerusalem is behind him as he was on the road to Damascus.  Two swords flank him, perhaps representing the fierce destruction he wrought on the early followers of Jesus and then later his magnificent words in Ephesians 6:17 about the sword of the Spirit.  There is a lushness to the ground underneath him as his barren past in the background flows into new life for the Jesus movement.  Paul is known as the missionary to the Gentiles, taking the Good News throughout the Mediterranean world.

I wonder if you, dear reader, have ever had a direct revelatory experience with God?  For some it may be the experience of sunset or sunrise.  For others it may be in the sense of satisfaction and well-being that comes from providing care and love to people and creation.  For some of us more contemplative sorts, it may be coming to a fast or slow realization that transcendence is present in a very real way for us.  I heard a dear friend talk about the moment she receives Eucharist and being a deep experience of Jesus' presence.  Send me a note, if you like.  I'd like to hear the story.  God has not stopped revealing the truth and the light of the Gospel!  May we have eyes to see and ears to hear!

Prayer

O God, by the preaching of your apostle Paul you have caused the light of the Gospel to shine throughout the world: Grant, we pray, that we, having his wonderful conversion in remembrance, may show ourselves thankful to you by following his holy teaching; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer)