SERMON, EPHESIANS 4:25 - 5:2

After a little diversion last week with the Feast of the Transfiguration, we are getting back into Ephesians. Ephesians, remember, may or may not have been written by Paul, and it most likely wasn't even written to the Ephesians. One of the arguments against Paul writing this letter is that it doesn't appear to have a specific issue that it addresses.

All of Paul's undisputed letters were written to churches dealing with specific issues. 1 Thessalonians is concerned with this new faith and its difficulties, especially that of believers dying before the return of Christ; Galatians discusses outsiders arguing for the circumcision of Gentile believers; Corinthians is discussing how to integrate the faith with the established social customs of the day; and Romans, while not straight forward, appears to be a treatise on how to win friends and influence people in support of a Spanish mission.

Ephesians is different in that there is no specific issue being addressed. What we have is more of a summary of Paul's theological thoughts. More than any other letter of Paul's, except maybe for Romans, Ephesians is systematic in nature. He puts down in a clear and concise way his thoughts on unity, new life, personal behavior and the overall cosmic plan.

I've said that we aren't sure that Paul wrote this letter. A common thought is that it was written to second generation Christians. Like 1 Thessalonians where people were concerned about dying before Jesus returned, this letter also addresses that issue. People began doubting their faith and Christianity in general; so maybe this was the issue that prompted the letter. Or not.

The letter's general purpose is to help give Christians a better understanding of the faith (much like Corinthians in that regard). Ours is not an easy faith at times. Why is there suffering? Why is there evil? Why did Jesus have to die? Define the Trinity. Does Jesus really welcome everyone, or are there limits to that welcome? Why do angels wear long-sleeved robes? The more you honestly question and struggle and search, the more complicated things seem to get. Ephesians is the writer's attempt to lead us into a deeper understanding of the length and breadth and height and depth of the Christian faith.

The more specific purpose of the letter, though, is to show that the overall cosmic purpose of God is to unite all things in heaven and on earth in Christ. Unity in Christ is as important in this letter as any other doctrine of the Church, whether that be the virgin birth, the resurrection or the Trinity.

And while not explicitly clear in today's particular reading, that sense is still palpable.

Do not speak evil but only that which can build up. Put away bitterness, wrath, anger and slander, and be kind and forgiving; just as God has forgiven you. Imitate God, live in love.

Whether it is at the national level with the current trouble we are experiencing, or whether it is at the local level between the red-carpet and green-carpet factions, we cannot be lobbing verbal hand grenades at each other. If we are going to label someone "heretic" or "apostate," we had better be certain that they are indeed invalidating core Church doctrine; otherwise we need to listen to them honestly and hear what they have to say.

And this idea of unity, building up, forgiving and loving starts here. It starts at the local level because it's all too easy to demonize someone if all you're hearing are a few sound bytes or a paragraph or two on the web. But if we live under the assumption that we are all to live together in unity, and if we learn to discuss and listen locally, then that creates a good foundation for how we act nationally or globally.

I believe the overall goal of God is for all of creation to live in unity, drawn together through Christ. It is not the will of God for the Church, let alone creation, to be divided against itself.

Before we got married, Mrs. Ref and I had a discussion about religion and what church we would attend. I offered to transfer to a church she was happy with in the name of unity. The Episcopal Church is central to who I am, and it would be difficult for me to be anywhere else; but it is not necessary to my salvation.

And that is the overall thrust behind Ephesians: some things are necessary for salvation, some aren't. Know the difference and don't be bitter or angry with those who have a different understanding than you. Put away your pride and be willing to make some sacrifices if necessary so that we can live together in love and unity.

The practice of living in unity and love begins right here in this parish as we learn to live in community with each other. And if you ever wonder why a 2000 year old letter by a person of the Church to people long since dead matters, read Ephesians. It is just as applicable today as it was then.