Contemplative Bible Reading

While recently reading through the New Testament, I read the same greeting over and over. The words “grace and peace” over and over. Here are some examples:

Galatians  Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,

Ephesians Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

Colossians Grace and peace to you from God our Father

1 Thessalonians Grace and peace to you

2 Thessalonians Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

1 Timothy Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord

2 Timothy Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord

Titus Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior

Philemon Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

1 Peter Grace and peace be yours in abundance

2 Peter Grace and peace be yours in abundance

2 John Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ

Jude Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance

Today, we say “hello, how are you” and “how ya doing” and even “howdy.” There is “Merry Christmas” in December.

I don’t recall the last time someone came up to me and said, “grace and peace.”

This just seems odd, especially for  Bible-reading group of people.