Feast of St. Teresa of Jesus
Scripture:
Ephesians 1:11-14
Luke 12:1-7
Reflection:
The high Christology of Paul’s letter is breathtaking. Verses 3-14 are one sentence in the Greek. Thoughts are just pouring out of Paul’s mind and his secretary can bearing keep up with him. The great mystery of God’s plan revealed in the fullness of time was to "bring all things in the heavens and on earth into one under Christ’s headship" (v 10). The "we" in verse 11 refers to the Jewish people, "who first hoped in Christ". The "you" of verse 13 are the Gentiles who on hearing the Gospel believed and were sealed with the Holy Spirit. Finally Jew and Gentile together are redeemed as God’s people, his possession, to the ultimate praise of his glory (v 14).
St Teresa of Jesus certainly was consumed by her love for the Lord. As her religious title she took "of Jesus". Going right to the very heart of Christian life, the person of Jesus is the center, the goal, the life of the disciple. I personally resonate with this choice. My own religious title that I took as a 21 year old novice so long ago was "of Christ the King". Little did I realize at that time the depth and beauty of God’s purpose for his creation, to bring all things under the headship of Christ. May we all cooperate with this great plan of God by opening our hearts to his Spirit who draws us ever closer into the mystery of Father, Son, and Spirit.
Fr. Michael Hoolahan, C.P. is on the staff of Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California.