March 25th - Reflection

Ephesians 2:11-22 (NRSV)
Christ, the reconciliation of Jew and Gentile

So then, remember that at one time you Gentiles by birth, called "the uncircumcision" by those who are called "the circumcision" a physical circumcision made in the flesh by human hands -- remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.

Reflection
It's interesting the people God calls. When you look back through the Old Testament and the New and even today, the people God calls aren't all that different from you or I. Noah did a wonderful job building the ark, but went and got drunk afterwards. Saul was a hansom and powerful king, but brought the spirit of Samuel up later in life. David was one of God's favorites, but he committed adultery and murder. Peter was a wonderful and inquisitive disciple, but denied Jesus when Jesus needed him most. Paul was on fire with the gospel, but stood by in the death and persecution of so many early Christians. You can go on and on with this. Even beyond the pages of scripture and throughout the history of religious leaders and lay people.

In spite of all these flaws, God calls us through Jesus Christ to be one Church. With the power of the Holy Spirit, flawed people are enlightened, gifted and called to action in the one Universal Church. Leaders and lay come together to form a priesthood of believers.

Jesus came and united the Jews and the Gentiles. Jesus took on the sin of the world and abolished the differences. In this the Church was opened to all. Jesus death and resurrection was for all flawed people, and that's all of us. We are all united in the gift of Jesus. We are all one in Christ. And in our oneness, we come together in that love that builds and grows through Jesus and the movement of the Holy Spirit through space and time.

What a wonderful gift! What a wonderful unity! All people and all Children of God! Will you accept the gift? Thanks be to God for all those different, unique, creations of God who gladly, humbly, and lovingly unite under Jesus!

Prayer
Lord, I give you thanks for the diversity of people who have been in my life, all created and loved by you. Bring us together as one in your name, your mission, and under your head, Jesus Christ. --- Amen