In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance towards redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.
Reflection
I remember the first time I visited The Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg (in more peaceful times). The whole thing was an overpowering experience. What particularly stayed with me was the memory of stepping into a room dedicated exclusively to still life paintings. Usually, I am not a fan of still life art but in this room every wall was stacked from top to bottom with scores of apples, pheasants, wine goblets, and tables heaving with food of every kind. The paintings were not curated individually with lots of surrounding space, but rather piled one upon another with carefree abundance. The cumulative effect was of a visual feast, and the senses being satiated by this wealth of culinary images. A splendid, almost over-the-top, opulence!
These verses from Ephesians and the picture they paint of God’s Grace and his cosmic plan have a similar effect! The astonishing redemption bought through Christ’s blood brings with it a depth of riches of his grace. These are not meted out sparingly but lavished in tremendous profusion. This is part of the precious inheritance bestowed on each one of us through the sacrificial love of Christ.
Furthermore, this is part of an all-embracing divine plan. God’s plan is all encompassing, conceived through the mystery of his will, with foundations laid at the beginning of all things. Through the working out of his plan everything will be brought into a unifying coherence, accomplished through his all-seeing purpose.
And, this overwhelming gift of his super abundant grace, the wrap around assurance of his universal plan … is for who? Astoundingly, it is for you, for me. Each one of us named individually as heirs to his kingdom!
Prayer
God,
I am staggered by your lavish gift of grace.
I am awed by the magnificence of your plan,
accomplishing all things through your mysterious will.
I am astonished that, through Christ,
you have named me as your heir.
Thank you for marking each one of us
with the seal of your Holy Spirit.
Amen.
