Lenten Reflections, Day 29

Wednesday, March 21st, 2012

Written by: Anita Bergh

Reading: Ephesians 4: 1-8

Certain words and phrases stand out in this passage: "prisoner of the Lord", "unity of the Spirit", "one Lord, one faith, one baptism", and others. All are important. But the theme seems to be "our calling", or an admonition to be "worthy" of our calling.

So now we have to identify what that "calling " is. The Apostle Paul is not speaking of a life work, an occupation or profession; although we do use the word "calling" in that sense. The ancient Hebrews were "called" to be a people of God, devoted to his law. In turn, Paul is admonishing the early Christians (many of whom were Jews) to devote themselves to God and his gift of Grace—unlimited and unconditional love and mercy. Paul is pleading (I beg you) with those early Christians to live out their "calling" to be devoted to God through Jesus Christ.

It seems to me that during Lent, we can meditate on what it means to follow our calling with the words of the hymn "We are Called". The chorus sums it up:
"We are called to act with Justice,
We are called to love tenderly;
We are called to serve one another, to walk humbly with God."

Prayer
Lord, let me live out my calling with Jesus in my heart. Amen.

FAMILY MOMENT

Today’s verse talks about how we should live in order to "maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (verse 3) How do you try to live in unity with the Spirit? Do you find it easy or difficult to live at peace with each other? Make a "peace contract" with each other – highlight specific things you can do to create a peaceful home (not touch a siblings things without permission, do things when I am asked the first time, be patient, etc).
God of peace, you love us unconditionally. Help to live at peace with each other and love as you do. Give us your Spirit to be patient, humble and gentle with each other. AMEN.