Friday, May 5, 2023

Today’s Scripture Reading 
Ephesians 2:11–22

So then, remember that at one time you Gentiles by birth, called “the uncircumcision” by those who are called “the circumcision” — a physical circumcision made in the flesh by human hands — remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God. (NRSV)

Reflection

“For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us, abolishing the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile both to God and one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it.”

On Easter Sunday we sang out our alleluias and heard the good news proclaimed that Christ is risen; he is risen indeed! Yet the world seems to go on unaware of what happened on Easter—or does it?

There are acts of resurrection happening all around us, changing people’s lives every day. A busload of migrants arrives next door unexpectedly seeking any assistance that can be provided. In a moment, our Chicago Lights Social Service Center staff and volunteers spring into action and provide hope and all the assistance possible. They provided peace and “made both into one” as dividing walls truly were broken down.

Or a family from Ecuador arrives in Chicago with nothing but the bags they can carry and, after speaking with an agency, are connected to a family that had just renovated their five-bedroom home. In a resurrection moment, the Chicago family invites the Ecuadorian family into their home and allows them to use some of the spare rooms. They are creating one new humanity in place of two, thus making peace.

Or two Latvian teenagers, without any parents in America, who need a home are also offered spare rooms, because we are “one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it.”

In every one of these situations, there is resurrection, there is hope, and there is light in the midst of darkness.

God’s love is stronger than all the forces that try to smother it. God’s love and the power of the resurrection are present whenever people put that love to work and take action to make it shine brightly.

Prayer

Loving God, help us act as resurrected people showing forth your love in all our words and actions. Amen.

Written by John W. W. Sherer, Organist and Director of Music

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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