August 1st Reflection by Bill Lynch

Read Ephesians 4:1-16

Reflection

So here I am growing up. Pictured with a couple of friends and a caring mother to direct and bring us into relationship with one another. This picture was pointed out to me by Peter a few weeks ago. It brings back memories of growing up.

It's time to grow up. But growing up takes time. It's time to do something that takes time. Or does it take unity to grow up into Christ? I guess it all depends on what God has in store for us. Abraham grew up through faith and followed God's will in his life, moving to places far and trusting God's direction. Moses trusted God and grew up as one of the great leaders of people throughout all time. Jacob grew up in his struggle with God. All this growing took time and in each took place at just the right time. But all had something in common. Each one grew in the unity of God and the relationship that developed between God and flesh.

God gave us Jesus in flesh that we may see and behold the relationship and unity we have with God. As we live in time we grow up through time to understand that Jesus is our relationship with God. We are baptized and called to grow up into that relationship with Jesus. We are joined together with Christ. In Communion we take the body and blood of Christ and it becomes one with our body. The bread and wine nourish our body but more importantly our soul and unity with Christ. We become one with Jesus and Jesus becomes one with us. We live out our calling and God directs our steps in location, struggles or even our communication with one another that all may grow through time and in time in a unity with one another and with God.

It's time to grow up. Thanks be to God!

Prayer

Lord abide with me as I grow into you in the way you would choose for me to grow... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen