Making melody in your heart

“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Ephesians 5:19–20 

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Our Scripture verse reminds us of the importance of praising God and giving thanks to Him, every day. 

The apostle Paul encourages us to speak to one another through psalms and hymns. Singing is more than just making music; it is a way of expressing our love, faith, and trust in God. Our praise should not only come from our voice but also from our hearts. Some people are shy to sing, or feel their voice is not good enough. However, our praise is for the Lord and must come from our hearts, no matter the quality of our voice or shyness.

Even when life becomes difficult, we must still praise the Lord. No matter what you are facing today, there is always a reason to trust God and give Him praise. Just like Paul and Barnabas that was captive in their prison cell. Normal human reaction would be to be depressed and afraid and even angry. However, they rejoiced and praised God. Let’s follow their example: in whatever situation, singing a song of praise despite life’s circumstances.

The apostle Paul give us a simple but important way of life:  ‘’make melody in our hearts to the Lord’’ (Ephesians 5:19) and to give thanks always to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20). Giving thanks does not mean that everything in life goes well. It means that even in difficult times, we trust that God is with us. The British missionary, Gladys Aylward, worked in China and Taiwan for most of her life. She often said ''Here I was worrying about my journey while God was helping me all the way’’ A thankful heart helps us to focus on what God has already done for us and is with us in our circumstances.

Let’s thank our Lord for His protection, His provision, His mercy, and above all, the Gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ.

Reflection on Ephesians 5:15-33 by Hanne

You are light | Lux in Domino

For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Walk as children of light, for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true – Ephesians 5: 8-9.

 

Dear friends in Christ Jesus, as we all know, once we receive baptism, we become children of God. We receive special grace to live a life worthy of God’s call. We are completely forgiven of our sinful past and granted a new life. God wants us to live in holiness according to His will - God the Father desires that we live as children of love and light, just like His Son, Jesus, whom we are called to imitate.

As children of light, God asks us to renounce our former, worldly ways and turn away from every kind of impurity. He calls us to avoid evil talk and to guard ourselves against corrupting influences. Nothing is hidden from God; He sees into the very depths of our hearts. As children of light, our calling is to produce good fruit through righteous deeds, truth, and goodness.

The world we live in can be deeply deceiving, which is why God calls us to remain vigilant and awake. We must not surrender ourselves to the devil but rather yield completely to the Holy Spirit. Dear friends, let us submit our lives into the hands of God and allow Him to work through us. May God bless each and every one of us.

 

Bible Reflection on Ephesians 5: 1-14 by Fr. George Joseph SVD

(Listen to podcast here)

Sincerely | In simplicitate

Serve sincerely as you would serve Christ - Eph 6:5.

Are you sincere - before God, yourself, and others?

Only those who know their value as children of God can be truly sincere. Like young children, they haven’t learned how to deceive yet. Children are naturally honest when asked a question; they respond spontaneously, without calculating or overthinking. That is why we love children.

As we mature, however, we often become slaves to the opinions of others. We begin serving their expectations, constantly trying to please them. As a result, we fall into using white lies and deceiving others.

The Apostle Paul teaches us how to respect ourselves and one another: treat others as you would treat Christ. Remember that you live in the constant, loving presence of your heavenly Father. As Christians, it is our calling to live as true servants of the Lord. Therefore, we are to do the will of God from the heart (Eph 6:6). Only when we choose to fulfill God’s will can we serve with true joy and enthusiasm. Otherwise, we grow weary, lose heart, and become discouraged. God the Father rewards those who are sincere in heart.

For this reason, we must imitate the Son of God - Jesus Christ. He exercised His power in truth and righteousness, completely clothed in the armor of God. Even in His humanity, He lived continuously in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. In this way, He stood firm against the schemes of the devil (Eph 6:11).

Let us reflect on our own spiritual lives. Do we truly rely on God’s power and strength, or do we rely on our own human strategy against evil? We can be certain of victory only when we put on the whole armor of God. Human words and actions alone are far too weak to overcome evil.

Let us obey our heavenly Father, for this is right (Eph 6:1). Let us also honor and love those around us as we share the Good News. May we raise our families and encourage one another in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Eph 6:4).

Reflection on Ephesians 6:1-11 by Józef.

(Listen to podcast here)