Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: September 21, 2023

Date in the Ordine: Feast of St. Matthew

Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13

Brothers and sisters: I, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace: one Body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. And he gave some as Apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the Body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading today comes from the Letter to the Ephesians. It begins by calling the reader to living “in a manner worthy of the call” received, the call from Christ through the Spirit. To do this we must recognize the centrality of love to our lives so that we might exercise humility, gentleness and patience. We are reminded of all that we share: one Body, one Spirit, one hope, one LORD, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all. And we are met with “one” and “all” not in opposition to one another but supporting one another. The diversity of all is in perfect union, is “one.”

The diversity of gifts given to us is highlighted, and again, it is diversity and unity tethered together. We are given different gifts but they are all to be united as we work together to build up the Body of Christ “until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God.” Our gifts, though given individually, are given for the good of all.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Have I discerned the gifts I have been given to contribute to the building up of the Body of Christ? Do I offer them willingly and generously? Am I an agent/instrument of peace and unity? Do I recognize others’ gifts and calling?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You created us, daughters and sons, and desire that we have life. You sent your beloved Son to dwell among us, to reveal You to us through teachings, miracles, and His selfless sacrifice upon the cross to atone for our sins and to win our salvation. We acknowledge that we have been called as disciples and have been blessed by the Spirit with gifts to use to build up the Body of Christ here on earth. Grant that we, though diverse, will be united in our love, in our efforts. 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.