Focus
Take a few minutes to push the “pause” button on whatever is going on around you and be still with God.
Read
Ephesians 2:11-22 (NRSV)
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.
Reflect
Sometimes I get to meet couples who have been married 50 or more years. I have often asked, “What is the secret to your success?” Many times the answer is, “’It hasn’t been easy.” Then they go on to tell of some of the special memories of their years together.
Today is St. Patrick’s Day—a day set aside to honor the patron Saint of Ireland. Talk about a life that was not easy! He was captured as a child and forced to work as a slave until he escaped at the age of 20. Later Patrick returned to Ireland as a missionary, allowing God to use him as a vessel of grace and mercy. Through his ministry, untold numbers of souls converted to Christianity.
Couples who commit to live their lives together learn to work, share, and be with each other. Operating in that love, couples can be successful for many years. St. Patrick lived that love. He went back to the place of his captivity, seeking to save the lost. Paul’s description of that love sounds a lot like this same kind of mercy-filled, grace-filled love. God’s love is unifying. Christ’s redemptive work on the cross unites us. We are one in Christ Jesus.
Pray
Precious God, we love you and need your help in loving one another. Create in us clean hearts and open our minds so that we may embrace one another as brothers and sisters. Help us to tear down walls of division. Help us to sow in love. We hear you calling us to live in peace. Help us reach out with loving arms in all directions. Amen.
Go with God.
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