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The Rev. Dr. Cynthia Cearley
Lead Pastor of Congregational Life
Friends,
The Lectio for this week is from Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus, chapter 3:14-17
For this I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and earth takes its name. I pray that, according to the riches of God's glory, God may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith as you are being rooted and grounded in love.
The practice of Lectio is especially helpful with a passage like the one from Ephesians this week. There is so much content packed into these 4 verses, it's easy to lose the impact of each portion. Lectio provides you a chance to focus on each word or concept individually, as well as listen for the overall meaning of the text.
St. Paul often wrote with great affection for those who would read his letters. He wrote as a friend, with obvious caring and concern for those to whom the letter is addressed. The scope of this passage is wide and deep, universal and particular. These words are not only affectionate, but deeply theological. They constitute a prayer as well as a statement of faith.
St. Paul speaks his truth in these words. Given the continuing tragic events that unfold in human life, what do you hear in this passage? What is God saying to you?
Blessings,
Cindy
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Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Family
Dear Montview,
Our passages for this Sunday, 2 Samuel 11:1-15 and Ephesians 3:14-21, span the Old and New Testaments of our Bible and the depths and faithful heights of human behavior. We read of David's plots to eliminate Bathsheba's husband in 2 Samuel. We read of the vast goodness of love through the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in Ephesians. We recognize these ancient contexts in the news of our recent days.
As we now must sit with another plot and its result, the text of Paul fills our hearts. Amid the confusion, the contrasts, loss and sadness, love once again has had the loud, last word. This love of Christ that surpasses knowledge and fills us with the fullness of God, is poignantly evident around us. It has built a memorial of cards, pictures, flowers and candles on a street corner. It has written an article about loving back (www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_21129629/face-hate-love-back). It has prompted a nation to join this community by giving time and treasure. It has been the answer for broken hearts and uncomprehending minds.
This indwelling love that is strong enough to hold us upright through all things is also the gentle hug of a child, the easy smile of a loved one, the kind greeting of a stranger. May this love be the rhythm of our interactions each day. May it strengthen us, lead us, and be our only answer to all that is not love.
Peace and hope,
Sandy
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