Breaking the Word

29^th Week in Ord. Time, Saturday – 26^th October 2024 – Ephesians 4,7-16; Luke 13,1-9

Personal Gifts for Service

In the first reading, Paul speaks about the gifts or special graces which have been given to each member of the community: “each of us are given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gifts.” In other words, God’s grace is given out personally and gratuitously. We have in no way earned by our own efforts. He knows exactly what we need and how to meet that need. This grace is given at varying levels as God sees fit, i.e. of our intimacy with Christ. These gifts are given to ensure better service to the whole community or the Church. In this connection, Paul mentions about two of his favourite analogies for the Church: 1) a Body with many parts working together for the growth and good of the whole body, and 2) an Edifice/Building that comes about in putting together many diverse materials. In both images, Jesus is the centre and key element.  Spiritual gifts involve a variety of abilities (Eph 4,11; Rom 12,4-6; 1 Cor 12,4-6), yet it should work together in service (Eph 4,6). Paul taught that “grace was given” (Eph 3,8) to him to preach to the Gentiles. He was called as an apostle and he focused on getting the most out of that grace given to him by God’s direct intervention. Peter affirms further, “as each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4,10).

29^th Week in Ord. Time, Friday– 25^thOctober 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.