Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: October 22, 2024

Date: Tuesday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: EPHESIANS 2:12-22

Brothers and sisters:

You were at that time without Christ, alienated from the community of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have become near by the Blood of Christ. For he is our peace, he made both one and broke down the dividing wall of enmity, through his Flesh, abolishing the law with its commandments and legal claims, that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile both with God, in one Body, through the cross, putting that enmity to death by it.

He came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near, for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So, then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading for today from the Letter to the Ephesians addresses the inclusion of the Gentiles in the LORD’s salvific plan. While they were once “far off” from the Israelites, through Christ, they are no longer “strangers.” Christ’s life, death, resurrection were for all humanity. All are called to Christ in peace, the whole of humanity.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I seek to be part of the whole? Do I seek to join together in Christ with others to build together “a dwelling place of God in the Spirit”?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You created us. You love us. You desire for us life with You. You sent your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to dwell among us as our brother, to reveal your great love for us, and to bring about our redemption through his sinless life and selfless sacrifice for us. We are called to set down our desires and seek the salvation offered us from You, through Christ, in the Spirit, and together with all our sisters and brothers to build together “a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” Grant that we may embrace with all our love and all our might that which You offer to us. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.