Salvation History!

In the Acts of the Apostles, 13:13-25, Paul and his companions go to the synagogue. After the reading, one of the synagogue officials asks if any of the apostles would exhort the people, so Paul gets up to speak. With his talk, Paul gives a synopsis of salvation history. God led the Israelite people through the desert to the promised land. Then judges are provided to guide the people. Following the judges, they ask for kings to rule. The first king is Saul and he is followed by David. Paul says this of David, "From this man's descendants God, according to his promise, has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus." It was John the Baptist who announced that the Messiah was coming. The Messiah has come and redeemed all peoples by his death and resurrection. This commentator writes, "In the desert where the Israelites found salvation, as Saint Paul reminds his hearers today. Christ is the source of the waters of life flowing from his pierced side. He is the bread of life broken on the cross. His love is better than life; his love is life. For him let us hunger and thirst" (Magnificat, 278)! As in the gospel, John 13:16-20. Jesus says, "I AM," which is God's name. Jesus is both God and man. He is the source of everything and it is in Him that we have life and have it abundantly. Let us rejoice in this gift of life and proclaim this Good News always! God Bless You!!!