Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle B
Reflecting on Ephesians 4:30-5:2
What if someone wrote you a personal note of practical advice like the one we heard in Ephesians today? Here’s a letter someone might send to me, inspired by today’s second reading:
My dear Kathy,
Watch carefully how you live. Remember the times you’ve acted foolishly. Don’t do that again. Remember that time when you held your tongue and reserved judgment? That’s what wisdom feels like. Do that some more.
Make the most of your days. I like how you’ve been riding your bike more this summer. Keep it up this fall. It’s a holy thing to get in touch with the simplicity and fun of childhood. That’s where you first started your conversations with God, remember? Don’t forget that first love. God is really present there.
And when you feel the Spirit, give thanks! Notice when friends appear, or events unfold, or little children reach out their arms and say, “Watch me!” Watch it all. Feel the fading summer sun and the blessed cool nights. God is there.
And never, never stop praying for those who grieve, especially those who lost their loved ones through violence this summer. Pray for those whose wounds will be a lifelong challenge. Pray for the miracle of changed hearts and minds.
And keep talking about the scriptures. Remind people of the psalms and hymns that give them life. Season your conversations with words of faith. And always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you the reason for your own hope (I Pt. 3:15).
And eat more ice cream. (That one may not have been in the original translation.)
How about writing yourself a similar letter?
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I have come to light a fire on the earth; how I wish it were already burning (Lk.12:49).