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My reading this morning was in Ephesians 4:1-16 and these are my reflections:
Paul believed the greatest witness of the Church was its unity under and with Christ. This is the greatest witness we can give to those outside the Church that we do indeed believe we are one in Christ. And part of what keeps us together is the gift of God's grace given to us through Jesus Christ. This grace came as a working gift; we are called to live a life worthy of our calling, and that gift of grace makes it possible. It is grace that helps us be humble. It is God's grace that lets us be gentle with one another; patient and loving with each other. Through us should run the bond of peace, reminding us that there is one body, one spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, on God and Father of us all. We are all under God, who is in us all.
It was the gift of grace that set us apart with different roles and responsibilities as Paul says, some as apostles, those who learn and do the work of a disciple and go to make other new disciples; some as evangelists, those who go and tell others the good news about God's love in any and every setting they can; some as pastors, those who tend the flocks in churches, caring for and loving the faithful, but seeking those outside the flock to come and be a part of the work as well; some as teachers, who help the pastor in teaching and leading the faithful to mature in the faith - all with the goal of getting God's people ready to do works of service for those not yet in the body of Christ.
The goal of unity should also be maturity. We cannot stay in our faith content in thinking we know and do enough; no, we should mature into wisdom and service, building up daily the body of Christ.
EAT-TO-YOUR FILL PRAYER: Loving God, let me live a life worthy of Your call upon me. Let my life reflect humility and gentleness, seeking unity in You. Whatever my role and responsibility, let it be done in the grace You shared with me. Help me to grow and mature in You - help me to prepare all around me for works of service. This I pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen!
