28th Week in Ordinary Time (B) : Saturday 19th October 2024

The letter to the Ephesians is an exhortation for believers to be prepared for the challenges to come. Believers cannot be complacent. Paul revealed how God’s plan for salvation would unfold in the lives of believers. His prayer is that God would continue to enrich the lives of believers with the Spirit of wisdom, revelation, and hope so that they would realize the great power of Christ, which God had made available to all who believed. We also have access to that power through faith in Jesus the Christ.

Do we allow the comfort of the day to make us complacent? Jesus’ teaching is filled with an intimation to vigilance.  The challenging times for the followers of Jesus came when their group was regarded with suspicion. Jesus told his followers not to deny him but to be bold and acknowledge him before the others. Their reward was that Jesus would acknowledge them before the angels of God. Outwardly, they may deny many things. However, Jesus strongly told them not to blaspheme against the Holy Spirit. This means we have to resist being swayed by the deceits that nothing worthy can be found in us. Jesus reminded his followers not to be complacent, but to be prepared for they would need to defend their faith with vigilance. He encouraged the people not to worry about this – the Holy Spirit would provide the words. We can gain strength from the assurance that Jesus provided to the early disciples.

Lord, help me to be vigilant in witnessing your love and power.