Word to the Wise
Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - Wednesday in the 29th Week in Ordinary Time
[Eph 3:2-12 and Luke 12:39-48]When you read this you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to human beings in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy Apostles and prophets by the Spirit, that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same Body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel. [Ephesians]
OCTOBER 22 - ST. JOHN PAUL I, POPE
St. Paul presents his vision in Ephesians almost as if it occurred in a flash! His conversion was somewhat sudden, yes, but his realization about the Gentiles took awhile because he first attempted his preaching in Jewish communities and was roundly rejected! [cf. Acts 18:5-6]. This rejection led to his putting his efforts into pagan communities in Asia Minor and the rest is history!
The "co-heirs" idea pertains to Roman law which gave to adopted children the same rights as natural born children. Paul saw the Gentiles as becoming "coheirs" through baptism and acceptance of Christ. "Copartners" pertains to taking on the mission of proclaiming the good news. This is what we call "evangelization" in our time. Pope Francis has challenged us all in his THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL to become "missionary disciples."
To get into these roles requires some thought, especially for cradle Catholics who have had the faith for years, but I hope that we can give it our attention. To be a coheir and copartner is not a casual thing but a profound state of being and a serious responsibility. AMEN.
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