United with Christ | In Christo Iesu

Now you have been united with Christ Jesus (Eph 2:13).

We sometimes live apart from Christ. It happens when we are dissatisfied with ourselves, when we give up, fall into sin, or sink into despair. Generally speaking, it occurs when we focus too much on ourselves rather than on Jesus Christ living within us. On the contrary, when we draw close to the Lord, we become calmer, more peaceful, and filled with love. Our vocation is to remain always united with Him.

In the Catholic Church, we receive Holy Communion for the first time as children. Usually, children at this age are so thrilled to participate in the Eucharist that their eyes shine with wonder. They truly live with Christ, in Christ, and through Christ. The sad reality is that as we grow older, we often lose that excitement. We try to live on our own strength because we are no longer children. Yet, the truth is that we remain children of God throughout our entire lives. Jesus reminds us of this in the New Testament when He points us toward the promises God has made to us (v. 12).

We are not meant to live in the world without God and without hope. We are invited to live with Christ, holding fast to the hope that we are always God's beloved children. Therefore, we no longer desire to be far from Him. We gather in the Church to participate in the Body and Blood of Christ, receiving through Him peace, happiness, and the fullness of life.

Jesus Christ alone can unite us inwardly and bring us into harmony with our brothers and sisters. His mission is to make us one in Himself and to break down the dividing walls of hostility that separate us from one another (v. 14). He blesses us and pours peace into our hearts and minds. Together with Christ, we are reconciled to God the Father and to neighbor. This is our Good News. This is our eternal covenant.

We are no longer far off; we truly live in Christ Jesus. We come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit (v. 18) as members of one family of God (v. 19). United, we are His heavenly Kingdom and His holy temple, where God dwells by His Spirit (v. 22). Amen.

Reflection on 2 Ephesians 2:11-22  by Jozef.

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Destined to die | Mortui

You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient (Ephesians 2:1-2).

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Reflecting on the pastoral writings of St. Paul in Ephesians 2:1-10, I’m reminded that apart from the mercy & grace of God, I was destined to die in my sins. St Paul summed up his theology of God’s Grace in verses 8-10: For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. 

My only right response to the infinitely wonderful grace & mercy shown to me is a heart full of gratitude, expressed through this familiar hymn: Give Thanks (With a Grateful Heart) 

Give thanks with a grateful heart 

Give thanks to the Holy One 

Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son 

Give thanks with a grateful heart

Give thanks to the Holy One 

Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son

And now let the weak say, "I am strong" 

Let the poor say, "I am rich 

Because of what the Lord has done for us" 

And now let the weak say, "I am strong" 

Let the poor say, "I am rich 

Because of what the Lord has done for us" 

Give thanks with a grateful heart  

Give thanks to the Holy One 

Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son 

Give thanks with a grateful heart 

Give thanks to the Holy One (to the Holy One) 

Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son 

And now let the weak say, "I am strong" 

Let the poor say, "I am rich 

Because of what the Lord has done for us" 

And now let the weak say, “I am strong” 

Let the poor say, “I am rich (I am rich) 

Because of what the Lord has done for us” 

Give thanks. 

YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/Bk_7wUR2Wdg?si=dVoNjz6eVGx-Kz3J

Author: Henry Smith © Copyright 1978 by Integrity's Hosanna! Music.

Reflection on Ephesians 2:1-10 by Chris Tan

Redemption | Redemptio

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace (Ephesians 1:7).

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We know more about the church of Ephesus than any other church in the New Testament. This is because of a great deal of correspondence concerning this church and the apostle Paul also stayed in Ephesus on two occasions; a brief stopover and a prolonged stay of about two to three years.  He was the first Christian missionary to this city. Therefore, it was also an important city in the early Church history.  

In Ephesians 1 we read about the wonderful spiritual riches in Christ (Ephesians 1:3) and how God provide these riches for us, including our redemption. In Him, our Lord and Saviour, we have redemption. We can not trust in anything, or anyone else for our redemption. 

In the time of the apostle Paul, Ephesus was a huge port city. It was one of the largest cities in the Roman empire. A metropolis of commerce and finance. In this city there was also an enormous pagan temple dedicated to Artemis. This temple was the largest Greek temple ever built.  It was central to Ephesian life and also visited by many. We can imagine how the Ephesians came to this temple daily and worshipped a false idol, the lady of Ephesus. 

The apostle Paul wants to make sure that the Ephesian believers understand this incredible important truth:  in Christ we have redemption. In Him we are fully set free. In no one else. Only in Christ.  Paul's message is also for us today. We are redeemed, free from bondage and are no longer under condemnation. We are fully free in Christ Jesus our Lord and Saviour. We do not hope for it, because we already have it. 

Today, only a few fragments remains of the colossal temple at Ephesus. The British museum houses artefacts and remains of the goddess of Ephesus. In contrast, we know that our Redeemer lives. As we read in in Job 19:25: "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.'' Amen

Reflection on Ephesians 1:1-12 by Hanne