Wednesday 22^nd October – Wednesday of week 29 of the year

Reflection: Ephesians 3: 2-12

JEWS AS WELL AS PAGANS

”For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).  The “world” in this very popular text refers to “everyone”, irrespective of tribe or color. Christ died for all with the exception of no man and won for all men their salvation. In His death and resurrection He gave all men the grace and power to become God’s children and to walk in newness of life (John 1:12).

God in His desire to save mankind sent His Son first to the house of Israel and from them extended His hands to the whole of mankind inviting them to share in the salvation won by Christ and the divine life He gives (Romans 1:16). Thus, the same grace and power to walk in this new life have been given to all: Jews and Pagans alike. Dear friends, irrespective of what your past might have been, God is extending the same grace He gave to St. Paul (who described himself as “less than the least of all the saints”), to us to walk in the new life. The gifts of God are not limited to any particular tribe or group of people. The gifts of God are open and available to all who desire it, pray for it and long for it.

Dear friends, God gives no one restrictions to His gifts; we are the ones that set the restrictions depending on how serious we are in our relationship with Him.

PRAYER: Lord, open my eyes to see the gifts you have made available for my use and help me to use them for your glory. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 89 – To whom does Jesus promise “the kingdom of God”?

God wills “all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim 2:4). The “kingdom of God” begins in those who allow themselves to be transformed by God’s love. In Jesus’ experience these are above all the poor and the lowly.

 HIDE A TREASURE: “Here there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; all have the same Lord, who is very generous with whoever calls on him. Truly, all who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:12-13 CCB

Reading for Today: Ephesians 3: 2-12, Isaiah 12: 2-6 (canticle), Luke 12: 39-48