Monday, 25 November, 2002

A brief switch from our look at The Hauerwas Reader. This is part of the second lesson from Christ the King Sunday.



I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power.



First of all, if we were still teaching the art of diagramming sentences, this second sentence would be a great one to give as homework. Then, it is simply wonderful to hear such a word of commendation to the church at Ephesus. It first shows how connected this early church was - one part to another. There is a feeling as though the life of one congregation was tied to another and the various parts - though far from one another - were of utmost importance to the whole. My initial reaction to the open words of this passage was that these words could be the word of a bishop as s/he visits with a congregation in what we would call a Synod in our church. It shows interest...loving connection...the focus is completely on the life of the congregation...and the congregational life is called a gift to all because of the very core of their life together - their faith.



Connection: It would do us all well to commend one another and offer words of encouragement as we live as disciple of Christ in this day. It takes more than me to build up my life in the Lord. The me...always needs you.



Lord of all faithfulness, inspire us to be bold in showing our appreciation for one another in the faith. It is by your Spirit that you work to bring us together as one people and by your Spirit that we begin that journey of intimacy. Amen.