+ Well, today’s reading from Ephesians is definitely a “cherry on the top” reading. Paul is in prison writing this letter. He is acknowledging all of the graces and blessings that the church, not just in Ephesus — but certainly there — has received, lived, and shared. Paul encourages all to continue to live it and share it, “striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
And all of this as he recalls their calling in Christ, their “one Lord,” their “one faith,” their “one baptism.” Plump! The cherry has fallen on top of the whip cream, and the feast has reached its climax.
Jesusonce again “faces down” the rather faithless crowds. They are smart and attentive when they see natural signs all about them — a cloud rising in the west, it’s gonna rain; winds blowing from the south, it’s gonna be hot! And so it does, and it is. But when it comes to spiritual signs and social and community signs, they are blind, deaf, and dumb! And they reap their consequences as a result.
When will they open their eyes to see, and their ears to hear, and their mouths to speak the wonders of God’s glory and of his kingdom? When will they echo loudly the words of Psalm 24 today —
“Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.”
