Sunday Reflection: Ephesians 1:3-14 (Sermon that Work)

St. Paul’s letter to the Christian community in Ephesus, a Greek city in modern-day Turkey, incorporates themes of church unity, purity, and holiness.

In this section of his letter, St. Paul tells us of the blessings received from God the Father through Jesus Christ—blessings which we were destined to receive from the beginning of time. He explains that out of love for God, we should strive to be holy and blameless. Although unworthy, we are forgiven our sins through faith in Jesus, setting us free to do better.

We know God’s will for our lives through the example of Jesus’ own life. As the creator of all things, God desires all things to be united with him through Jesus Christ, a legacy which we who have faith in him have also inherited. We should live with a desire for God to be praised by all. Through our faith in Jesus Christ, we are assured that the Holy Spirit will always enable and empower us in this task.

As Anglicans (Episcopalians), this message from St. Paul should remind us of the Anglican Communion’s First Mark of Mission: “To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom,” which is regarded as Jesus’ own summary of his mission on earth and the key statement about everything we do in mission. This requires all of us to be committed to personal evangelism. Nobody is exempt. In fact, the legal name of the Episcopal Church is the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society! Of course, we can be creative in our evangelism, but we are all called to share our faith in Jesus Christ with others in some way. St. Paul reminds us that the Holy Spirit is always with us as we engage in this task and we should also be reminded that the fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). So it should be with these gifts that we fulfill our task of proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom. 

• How do you feel when you hear praise being given to God, especially from those new in faith?
• How is your local church community (Parish of St. Michael’s) fulfilling the First Mark of Mission?
• How are you personally fulfilling the First Mark of Mission?

Rector’s Corner:The leadership of our parish council will present a mid-year stewardship assessment. We hope to give parishioners an awareness of our stewardship of time, talent and treasureparticipation in the life of the parish. We also expect that parishioners will continue to support and get involved in our stewardship ministry.

I will also be doing some home visits during the summer. If you wish that I come over and have some time with you, please contact me at saintmichaels@telus.net or at 606-591-8323. I usually offer prayers, reflections and conversationthat may support your spiritual needs.

St. Michael’s Summer Barbecue Potluck Fellowshipwill be on Saturday, July 21, 5:00 to 8:00pm, in the porch area of the Millennium Hall. Invite a friend and family. Share your favourite dish.