The Epiphany of Our Lord
Ephesians 3:1-12
1 This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—2 for surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given me for you, 3 and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, 4 a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. 5 In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: 6 that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
7 Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace that was given me by the working of his power. 8 Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; 10 so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him.
“… 5 In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: 6 that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel …”.
Imagine the audacity of the founders of the United States of America stating that “all men are created equal” (Declaration of Independence). Imagine the President of the United States not only repeating that phrase but holding it fast as an ensign in the face of racism, slavery, and division (Lincoln at Gettyburg). Imagine understanding “men” to mean “all people”. Imagine recognizing each human being made in the image of God (Genesis 1). Imagine that Jesus, when He is lifted up, drawing all people to Himself (John 12).
The mystery hidden for ages as witnessed by Paul in Ephesians is no less radical. It states that God, through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, has included all people – Jew and Gentile – in the kingdom. No longer will there be Jew or Greek, male or female, slave or free. All are one in Christ.
Imagine living your life as if every human being created by God was deserving of respect, honor, and dignity. Imagine if every person you encounter, whether known to you or a stranger, was entitled to love, compassion, kindness, and gentleness. Imagine the radical nature of the world if each person loved their neighbor as themselves.
Paul’s words in Ephesians remind us of our common humanity, our intimate connection with one another and with God, and God’s desire that we see one through divine rather than human eyes. What a radical way of living!
Prayer: Lord, you have created us all in Your image and called us to love one another. Teach me to see others as You see them, care for them as You care for them, and love them as You love them. Amen.