Exceeding abundantly

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us – Ephesians 3:20

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As we read Ephesians, it's important to keep in mind that the apostle Paul writes this epistle from Rome, where he was under house arrest. Despite some liberties, he was still a prisoner while writing this epistle as we read in Ephesians 3:1 he calls himself ''the prisoner of Christ''.

Ephesians 3:14-21 is a prayer from the apostle Paul on behalf of the church of Ephesus. What a powerful and deep prayer! The apostle Paul prays that believers would be strengthened by the Spirit, know Christ's love, be rooted in that love, and experience the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:16–19). 

This prayer is not about external circumstances. It is about the strengthening of the Ephesians' inner being (verse 16). This is an important reminder to pray for others so that they may have inner strength and peace despite their circumstances.

In Ephesians 3 verse 20, just before the end of the prayer, the apostle Paul's language emphasizes superabundance: God's capacity is far above what we ask or think. In this verse, the apostle Paul combines Greek words into a unique double compound word that literally means "superabundantly above the greatest abundance" or "beyond all measure.  From verse 20 we can definitely see how God is sovereign and omnipotent in all situations.

Paul concludes his prayer with these words: “To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!” (Ephesians 3:21). When God accomplishes something far beyond what we anticipated, the appropriate response is thankfulness and praise.

From Paul's prayer we can see that we should trust God's limitless power and then receive what God chooses to accomplish/provide us. Always give Him all the glory, in all circumstances.

God's love for His children is boundless, endless and measureless (verse 18). Therefore, we can bring God our deepest desires and problems while trusting that His plans for us are much greater than the limits of our understanding. Amen.

Reflection on Ephesians 3:14-21 by Hanne

 

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