Pursuing Him

A Reflection on the Second Reading for Sunday, August 18th, 2024:
Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Ephesians
5.15-20

​Brothers and sisters, be careful how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making music to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

​Pause. Pray. Reflect.

The phrase “our days our evil” strikes me because we also know that every day is a gift from the Lord and is good. The message from Ephesians seems to be warning us that, in exercising our free will, we can squander the good gift of the Lord by choosing to fill our days with “unwise” and “foolish” pursuits. Ephesians calls us to fill our days with the Spirit and to resist our worldly desires so that we may align our behaviours toward the pursuit of the Lord and His desires for our lives. 

That said, purity takes diligence and a stalwart will to choose God every day, which the enemy constantly tries to challenge. To discern God’s actions in our lives Ephesians urges us to keep a clear head so that we can find God’s voice amid the noise and excess of this world. “Do not get drunk on wine” can also translate to “do not binge scroll on social media” or “do not buy things just because they are trendy.” These are distractions that keep us from finding true satisfaction in the Lord. However, on those days when we fall to foolish and unwise decisions we need never despair because we have a merciful and loving God who will forgive us. 

In my experience, choosing good gets easier with consistent practice, just like any habit. When we choose to nourish ourselves by the Spirit instead of earthly satisfaction, we naturally overflow with love for others and, as Ephesians says, with songs of praise for the Lord and all He has done. I have felt this love, and it provides a peace and satisfaction deeper than anything I have found on earth. I pray for myself and for those reading this blog that we may have the strength to pursue God above everything else. Amen. 

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​Ronnie Noonan-Birch

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