Quote[/b] ]2 Corinthians 2:14-17 (NRSV)
But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads in every place the fragrance that comes from knowing him. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not peddlers of God's word like so many; but in Christ we speak as persons of sincerity, as persons sent from God and standing in his presence.
Quote[/b] ]Thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads in every place the fragrance that comes from knowing him.
-2 Corinthians 2:14 (NRSV)
HAVE you ever touched the leaves of a tomato plant? What about fresh basil? Amazingly, the scent of these plants can linger on the skin for quite a while. My family can always tell when I've been working in the garden. All they have to do is stand close and breathe in. But eventually the scent fades, and the only way to get it back is to return to the garden.
The Bible is scented with the essence of God. When we read the words of God's prophets and servants and apply them in our daily living, the "fragrance" we exude is pleasing to others. Exhibiting the attitudes and behaviors we learn from God's word creates the opportunity to waft a bit of heaven to those around us.
Through us "God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession ... spreads in every place the fragrance that comes from knowing him." God wants us to take into the world this essence. There is no better aroma to adopt as our own; there is no better scent to share.
Leonora Scotti (New York, U.S.A.)
Thank you, O God, for the gift of the Bible. Remind us to read it and to live by its words, that we may share your fragrance with others. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
