29th Week in Ord. Time, Friday– 25thOctober 2024 – Ephesians 4,1-6; Luke 12,54-59
One-Ness in Relationship
In the first reading, Paul urges the people of Ephesus to live a life worthy of the calling they have received. They have been called into a relationship with one and only God. This means that their lives be marked by faith lived out in actions. The more they are one with God, and the more they are in union with each other, then the more their lives will reflect the attributes and characteristics of the Triune God. Paul shows then how God made provision for those in the church to live and work together in unity, and to grow together into maturity.
He lists the gifts of seven ‘unities’ that the believers share in common. One Body: that is, the body of the Church with Christ as its unifying head; one Spirit: the Spirit of the Father and the Son, given to them in baptism; one shared hope: a confident assurance that they will be called together one day to enjoy a glorious future of happiness without end, in face to face with God; one Lord: Jesus Christ; one faith: faith in Jesus Christ and his Gospel; one Baptism: referring to the sacramental celebration making one as a member of the community; and one God: the Father of each one without exception. By repeating the concept of “one-ness,” and “unity,” this section emphasizes the closeness and harmony the believers are meant to demonstrate in their lives and with one God.
