Memorial of St. Teresa of Jesus
Scripture:
Ephesians 1:15-23
Luke 12:8-12
Reflection:
Paul is in prison, most likely at Rome, as he pens this letter. The best manuscripts omit mention of the Ephesians. So it seems that the audience was wider than one community. The letter begins by thanking God for reveling the mystery of Christ which is nothing more than bringing “all things in the heaven and one earth into one under Christ’s headship (Eph 1:10).
Now we can look at the verses we have to reflect on today. Paul is struck by the faith of those first Christians and their love for each other. He is thankful to God for what is happening in their hearts. Immediately his thanks overflow into a prayer of petition: “May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, grant you a spirit of wisdom and insight to know him clearly.” (1:17) It is instructive to us that Paul moves so easily into asking God to bless the new converts. He is aware of all the challenges they face. He is certain that the power that God showed in “raising Christ from the dead and seating him at his right hand in heaven” (1:20) is available to all who believe.
The question for us is: do we believe it as well? Do we have the vision that God has put all things under Christ’s feet?
Fr. Michael Hoolahan, C.P. is on the staff of Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California.