The second reading from Ephesians is rather long and with only six sentences, it is not easy to follow. To put it simply, he is giving a description of the many blessings God has given us. First is Redemption, meaning that Christ saved us from punishment for our sins by forgiving them instead. Second is the plan of God for saving everyone, by making Christ ruler of the universe. We have to accept these gifts by letting go of the temptations around us and holding on to the love we have received from God. We then share that love with others, so that they know God loves them, too. As our experience of God’s love grows, we begin to understand the mystery of how God lives in all people.
Paul also reminds us that we are chosen and destined to help God bring his plan, his Kingdom, to completion. When we teach children how to love and share, when we are honest with customers or suppliers, when we are not ashamed to show our faith in Jesus, when we are respectful of the poor, elderly, or disabled, we are slowly building the Kingdom of God.
Paul mentions three times in this reading about “the praise of God’s glory.” (Eph 1:14) When we are able to help or forgive, or just be a good example to others, we want them to know that God is in all the good we do. Instead of taking credit for the results, we give God the glory. No, you don’t have to take off your glasses and put on a red cape before helping others. Just mention that God does the real work, we just try not to get in his way.
Tom Schmidt, Diocesan Publications