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Of the communities visited and/or founded by Paul, the Ephesians would be the one most like many parishes here in the United States. Ephesus was a seaport, with people from all over the Mediterranean. It had the great temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The Church in Ephesus consisted of Jewish and Greek converts, as well as some who came from mystery cults. Regardless of their backgrounds, St. Paul reminds the community that what is most important is that all of them belong to Christ. It is through him that they received the promise of eternal life. While the point of origin is a nice reference, it is the final destination that is most important!

Estamos familiarizados con el amor perfecto de Jesús con el Padre. En respuesta al Padre, Jesús acepto nuestra humanidad para nuestra salvación. En la segunda lectura de hoy, San Pablo recuerda a los Efesios, y a nosotros que también participemos en ese amor perfecto. A través de su pasión, muerte y resurrección, Jesús conquisto el pecado y la muerte, abrió las puertas del cielo y nos hizo sus hermanos y hermanas. El nos dio todo lo que el recibió del Padre. La próxima vez que nos sientamos perdidos y olvidados, recordaremos que hemos sido elegidos por Dios, y que acto tan profundo realmente es!

We are familiar with Jesus’ perfect love with the Farther. In response to the Father, Jesus accepted our humanity for our salvation. In today’s second reading, St. Paul reminds the Ephesians, and us, that we participate in that perfect love, as well. Through his passion, death and resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death, opened the gates of heaven and made us his brothers and sisters. He gave us all he received from the Father. The next time we feel left out or forgotten, hopefully we will remember that we have been chosen by God, and what a profound act that truly is!