March 16th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Ephesians 1:7-14 (NRSV)
We live to the praise of God's glory
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God's own people, to the praise of his glory.

Reflection
All things are in Christ. All things from beginning to eternity. The mystery of it all is in Christ. We have life in Christ and we exist in Christ. We are united in Christ, Jew, Gentile and all people. It is through God's love for us that Jesus was sent into this world to gather us together as one. We are gathered to hear the Word and witness to the truth that is in Christ. We receive the gospel and accept Christ as the one who fulfills all the Law and Commands. We are sealed through the promise. Once a seal of circumcision and now a seal of baptism as a show of an earthly element, the Word and the promise of God. We are sent with the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us along life's way to proclaim the glory of all that God has done for us through and in Christ.

As we live in Christ we are being gathered together with those throughout all time along with all things on heaven and earth. All in Christ and to the glory of the Father through the Holy Spirit. Wow! In Christ! Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Jesus, gather, empower, seal and send each and all of us in you that we may joyfully proclaim to all what you have done... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen