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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