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Sunday 4 January 2015

We Are Not Equal, Part Three

Today's second reading, from Ephesians, reveals the mystery of God's Church as the New Chosen People.

Looking at the beginning of the reading, one sees again the idea of selection, of God's Will for a People. In verse 3, St. Paul immediately refers to God the Father giving us a special blessing through and in Christ. Verse 4 indicates that those in the Church are chosen from all time, referring to God's Will for those in the Church to become holy, and perfect--"unspotted".  Verse 5 is even more specific, when the great Apostle of the Gentiles uses the word, "predestinated" or predestined. This is not a poetic word-choice, but the reality of God's predilection.

"According to the purpose of his will" cannot be a clearer statement that God, in Christ, calls the members of the Church on purpose, from all time, to holiness.

Ephesians 1:3-6Douay-Rheims

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with spiritual blessings in heavenly places, in Christ:
As he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and unspotted in his sight in charity.
Who hath predestinated us unto the adoption of children through Jesus Christ unto himself: according to the purpose of his will:
Unto the praise of the glory of his grace, in which he hath graced us in his beloved son.

to be continued....