We can never know the limits of the love in which we are rooted.
Love is the basis for life. As Christians, we are completely dependent on the love of God, and this love surpasses all our knowledge. [Ephesians 3:14-21] This is one of those Sundays in the lectionary where some of the readings really do work together.
In Ephesians, we hear about our dependence on the love of God, then in the Gospel of John, we get an example of how abundant that love is. Jesus gathers from the people a few loaves and fish, gives thanks and gave them to the people. What seemed like not enough suddenly became more than enough.
Sometimes I find myself giving in to the anxiety of the world that there isn’t enough— that there isn’t enough stuff, money, love, grace, time, etc. This Sunday’s readings offer a life-giving reminder that what we need most, what holds us fast and feeds us, is the love of God. And of love, there is more than enough to share.
Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
Coming next
We continue our exploration of the Letter to the Ephesians. What does it look like to live rooted in reconciliation with God and neighbor? How do we practice it in radical ways?
August 1 - St. Barnabas, Roanoke / “Bound Together” Eph. 4:1-16
August 8 - Messiah, Heflin / “Making Peace” Eph. 4:25-5:2
August 15 - Messiah, Heflin / “Overflow” Eph. 5:15-20
August 22 - St. Paul’s, Greensboro / “Teamwear” Eph. 6:10-20