Ordinary Time - Fr. Chad E. JarnaginEphesians 2:11-22 English Standard Version (ESV)One in Christ11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, [sojourners] but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by[b] the Spirit.Paul goes on to say “Therefore, remember where you came from...” and that at one point, they were separated from Christ. BUT NOW, they are no longer far off... they have been brought near (by the blood of Christ). 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility. As we look at the heart of this part of Paul’s letter, we will see something incredibly important: 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.Underneath this portion of the letter, there is a spirit of hospitality & openness.“Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place. It is not to bring men and women over to our side, but to offer freedom not disturbed by dividing lines. It is not to lead our neighbor into a corner where there are no alternatives left, but to open a wide spectrum of options for choice and commitment. It is not an educated intimidation with good books, good stories, and good works, but the liberation of fearful hearts so that words can find roots and bear ample fruit....The paradox of hospitality is that it wants to create emptiness, not a fearful emptiness, but a friendly emptiness where strangers can enter and discover themselves as created free....not a subtle invitation to adopt the life style of the host, but the gift of a chance for the guest to find his own.” -NouwenIn my first exposures to evangelicalism, most of what I recall was a policy of more. More of everything. When we are conditioned to more, we retain little. Over time, I realized that the more philosophy wasn’t sustainable. Bites are more retentive. Small doses where we are mindful and open is where retention and sustainability will be. Our devotion and communion are most certainly included in this mindset. Throughout Scripture we are given permission to slow our pace, find and receive peace... it’s human society that projects unsustainable consumption and pace onto us... where we have no margin for the activities that bring us life.For those far and near: 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens [sojourners], but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,
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