November 1st - Reflection

All Saints Day
Ephesians 1:11-23 (NRSV)

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.
I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Reflection
Set your hope on Christ. We hear the word of truth. We listen to the gospel and proclaim the gospel. We believe in Jesus and all that he has done and will do. And at baptism we were sealed with the promise of the Holy Spirit. We are called children of God.

Called children of God that joins with those past, present and yet to be born. Called children of God under the dominion of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior who is the head over all things for the Church. And in this Church we are called to unite in one hope, one faith and one God.

Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, this day I give thanks that you have included me in that great community of saints, past, present and future. Take my life this day and use it to your glory. I want to serve you, the head of the Church. --- Amen