GRACE
Today’s Eastertide word is GRACE. In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles Paul is saying goodbye to the Church at Ephesus.
It’s an emotionally highly charged occasion. Paul has told them they are unlikely to see him again, and they weep as they say their goodbyes. As he takes his leave he commends them to God’s grace saying:
“And now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace that has power to build you up and to give you your inheritance among all the sanctified.”
He knows they are facing challenging and dangerous times. The young church is threatened by persecution from the authorities, a threat that endangers livelihoods and lives.
Paul points out another threat from within. He warns them against those within the community who would misuse the teaching of Jesus to lead them astray.
In such dangerous and challenging circumstances Paul feels the best he can do is commend them to God’s grace. His action is based on the firm conviction that grace has the power to strengthen and save us.
I can’t help feeling that we sometimes underestimate the power of that GRACE. We live in times that expect us to be in control at all times. The expectation is that whatever challenges we face we will be able to fix things without help.
Paul’s words reminds us that this is as impossible for us as it was for the early Church. There are situations where the only thing we can do is actively trust that God’s grace will fill us and enable us to deal with whatever situations arise.
Where do you need to feel God’s grace in your life this Eastertide?