Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop, Martyr 


Ephesians 1:15-23

Psalm 8:2-7

Luke 12:8-12


The unmeasurable power of God 



There is no greater gift than receiving a card or letter from someone who tells us that we made a difference in their life and blessed them in ways we never imagined. That is exactly what Paul is celebrating in today’s first reading. He writes to the church in Ephesus to tell them how deeply their faith and love inspire him and fill him with joy. He has “never stopped thanking God” for them and remembering them in his prayers. And his gratitude is so heartfelt that he shares exactly what he asks God to do for them.



First, Paul prays that God will give them the “wisdom and insight” to know God. They might know everything else, but without knowing God, they would miss what they need most for a good and meaningful life.


Second, Paul asks God to open their eyes to “the great hope” to which God has called them—a hope God passionately wants them to share: the unbroken joy and incomparable love found in everlasting communion with God and the saints.



Third, Paul prays that the Christian community in Ephesus will recognize the special gifts God has entrusted to each member of their church. They are to embrace those gifts with joy and gratitude, then put them to work generously in the service of others.

Finally, when Paul urges them to embrace “the immeasurable power” of God at work within them, he reminds them that they never have to feel hopeless or defeated. Instead, they can be bold and courageous in their faith, their love, and every good work they pursue. Whatever life throws their way, God is with them, working through them and strengthening them. With God at work in them, they can accomplish far more than they ever imagined.

And because this letter to the Ephesians is part of the New Testament, it is written to us, too. It is Paul’s gift to us—a love letter filled with thanksgiving. The best way to receive it is to take every word to heart.

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