Reflection
There is no better gift to receive than a card or letter letting us know we made a difference in someone’s life and blessed them in ways we never would have imagined. That is what Paul is up to in our first reading today. He writes to the church in Ephesus to tell them he is so edified by their faith and love—so filled with joy—that he has “never stopped thanking God” for them and remembering them in his prayers; indeed, Paul is so grateful that he tells them exactly what he prays for on their behalf.
First, he prays that God will give them the “wisdom and insight” to know God, because if they know everything else but do not know God, they don’t know the one thing they really need to know for a good and meaningful life. Second, Paul asks God to enlighten them so that they grasp “the great hope” to which God not only has called them but fervently wants for them: the unbroken joy and unsurpassable love that is found in everlasting communion with God and the saints. Third, Paul prays that the Christian community in Ephesus recognizes the special gifts that God has entrusted to every member of that local church. They should claim those gifts joyfully and gratefully, and they should use them generously in serving others.
Finally, when Paul urges them to embrace “the immeasurable power” of God that is at work in them, he’s reminding them why they should never feel hopeless or defeated.
Rather, they should be bold and courageous in their faith, in their love, and in all the good they strive to do, because no matter what life might throw at them, God is always with them, working through them and helping them; therefore, they can do far more than they ever imagine.
Of course, since this letter to the Ephesians is in the New Testament, it is also written to us. It is Paul’s gift to us too, Paul’s love letter of thanksgiving. The best way for us to receive it is to take to heart everything Paul says.
