Reconciliation, Peace

A Reflection on the Second Reading for Sunday, July 21, 2024:
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Ephesians
​2.13-18

Brothers and sisters: 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 Jews and Gentiles 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 Man 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 Christ Jesus 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.

Pause. Pray. Reflect.

In the Second Reading for this Sunday, Paul addresses the Gentiles, who have been brought near to God through the blood of Christ. He explains how Christ has broken down the wall of separation between Jews and Gentiles and created one new humanity in Himself. He also shows how Christ has reconciled both groups to God and given them access to the Father by the Spirit. He invites us to celebrate God's grace, which has made us one in Christ. He challenges us to live out this unity in our daily lives and to overcome any hostility or prejudice that may separate us from others. He also reminds us of our privileged position as God's people, who can approach him with confidence and joy.

You might be thinking, what does this mean for someone like me — I know I did when I read this scripture for the first time. I found myself grabbing my reflection journal and writing down everything I felt as I reread these words repeatedly. This reading:

• speaks to me about the amazing grace and love of God, who has brought me nearer through Christ, even though I was once far away and alienated from Him;
• challenges me to think about how I relate to those who are different from me, whether in ethnicity, culture, religion, or background;
• Shows me that Christ has broken down the barriers that divide us and has made us one in Him; and
• calls me to be an agent of reconciliation and peace and to share the gospel of grace with others who need to hear it.

I can apply this scripture to my life by praying and seeking opportunities to share the word with people who are far from Christ, to show them the love He has brought to them, with the hope of reconciling them too.

If you’d like to reflect on this reading as I did, here are a few questions you might ask yourself:

• What does it mean to be brought near to God through the blood of Christ? How does this affect our relationship with God and with others?
• What are some of the barriers of hostility that divide people today? How can Christ break down these barriers and create peace?
• How do we experience the access to the Father by the Spirit? How does this empower us to live as God's children and witnesses?

​Shelly Fillmore

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