Loving Kindness
Psalm 107: 33-43; 108: 1-6 (7-13)
Ezekiel 36: 22-27• Ephesians 6: 10-24 • Matthew 9: 18-26
Eve of Pentecost
Psalm 33 • Exodus 19: 3-8a, 16-201 • Peter 2: 4-10
Today's reading is filled with what I would call "heavy hitters." Probably some of the most frequently quoted verses from Ephesians, Paul's words are empowering. "Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might...Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand" (Ephesians 6:1-13). As members of Christ's mystical body, we can be strengthened in the knowledge that Christ has claimed us forever as His own. Forever! Like the children of Israel in the book of Exodus, He will not leave us to travail alone in the wilderness. He will take us from "among the nations" and gather us from "out of all countries" and give us our "own land" (Ezekiel 36:24-27). The Lord promises us, "I shall sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean" (vs 25). I love the usage of "shall" in these passages. God's loving kindness is and will be the final word.
Paul knew when he counseled the Ephesians that as newly formed Christians, life would not be easy for them. How could it be? The symbol of following Jesus is to take up "the cross." It never was "take up your cushy Winnebago and set sale for Florida." Paul knew the Ephesians would need the strength that comes from having your loins girt with truth. That means hiking it up around you and getting to work. Paul knew that to put off anger and evil from among them the Ephesians would need their feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace. They would need to be peace sewers wherever they went. I'm sure above all Paul knew these early Christians would need the shield of faith to protect them from whatever evil and tragedy could be thrown at them.
We are Christ's own. In these times let us remember that Christ will not love us because we are holy but make us holy because he loves us. We cannot be hid from His loving kindness and it will endure through these times and more. We can join with the early Ephesians and the whole mystical body from time everlasting in donning the whole armor of God. It will aid us. It will sustain us. God can make a terrible thing a wonderful thing because "...His truth reacheth unto the skies" (Psalm 108:4). God love you.
Written by Jonathan Wright
Jonathan is a native of Atlanta, GA, and a new member to St. Paul's. An Episcopalian of almost 3 years, Jonathan moved to the parish from the Cathedral Church of Saint Mark in Salt Lake City, UT.