This passage of St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians is so beautiful. Paul writes to the Ephesians telling them that he never stops giving thanks to Jesus Christ for them and their faith. Why? Because in that thanksgiving, he prays that God might reveal himself to the people in order to allow them to know him, and in knowing God they will be able to experience the inheritance won for them by Jesus Christ in his death and resurrection. 

When is the last time you told a friend something like that?

What if you and I, in our friendships, family relationships, and other relationships in our life genuinely prayed for that same kind of thing that St. Paul is saying in this letter? What if the main goal of each of our friendships was genuinely an encounter with Him who has placed all things under his feet as he sits in glory? 

In reality, this is the goal of every relationship we have, it's just not always one we realize. The point of community, the point of friendship, the point of all relationship is that we lead one another to Jesus. And then, when those around us move towards Jesus, we rejoice, we give thanks, we celebrate. 

Let's celebrate one another on our journey towards Jesus, letting every relationship we have push us closer and closer to the hope that belongs to the call of knowing Jesus.  

How do your friendships compare with the one St. Paul has with the Ephesians here? 

In what ways can you challenge those who are your friends in their relationship with Jesus and let them challenge you?

What is one way God is calling you today to pause and allow him to take you deeper into relationship with him and the hope that comes from following him?

"Jesus, I trust in you."

"I give you thanks."

​"Lead me to deeper friendship."

Take the example of St. Paul today and tell a friend who you have a good, positive relationship with why you are thankful for them. Seek out a friend or two who you know is seeking Jesus in their faith and affirm them in that, and invite them to challenge you in your own faith as well. 

​You have been CHOSEN. From all eternity, our Lord knew you would be praying with this Scripture passage today, and He knows how the rest of your day is going to go. The Lord continues to choose you on both the good days and the bad days, regardless of our fleeting emotions or hot mess moments. God not only has a plan for your life but also you are a part of God’s plan for this world! 

At your Baptism, you were sealed the Holy Spirit and received an indelible mark on your soul, which nothing and no one can ever wash away. As St. Paul says in today’s first reading, that seal is the “first installment of our inheritance.” I think many of us often walk around thinking that our Baptism was just one more nice moment among many in our lives and forgetting that our Baptism is the reality in which we are supposed to walk each and every day. When we are born into the Catholic Church, we are given a portion of our inheritance right away and are called to live as children worthy of such an incredible, eternal inheritance. Every step we take in this life should be a step in the direction of the fullness of life and inheritance that awaits us in heaven. Even when we stumble and fall, we can get back up knowing that we “exist for the praise of his glory.” May our lives be a testament to the beauty of being chosen by God day after day and living in his light.

Do you believe that God has a plan for your life? That you are part of His plan for the world?

Do you ever consider the promises made at your Baptism? The gifts given by the Spirit?

Do you know that the world is different because of you, because of your voice, because of your gifts? You make a difference.

"I am chosen."

"I matter to God's plan."

"God has a plan for me."

Take some time today to reflect on the gift of your Baptism. You were anointed "priest, prophet, and king." You were given a unique place in this world to make a difference for God. Write down one thing you can do this weekend to participate in His plan.

“The Lord Jesus appointed seventy-two disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit.” -Luke 1:1

I’ve been on two kinds of road trips in my life: ones alone, and ones with friends. Some of my best memories have been made while traveling on road trips with some of my closest friends: we’ve been stranded in Quebec where nobody spoke English, have gone swimming in the warm waters of California, hiked alongside beautiful waterfalls of upstate New York, taken photos at Mount Rushmore, and the list goes on and on. Sometimes I’ve planned solo road trips with the hopes of embarking on great adventure, but most of the time I find I just want to get to my destination as quick as possible. It’s the community built along the way that makes these trips memorable and remarkable.

Jesus sends out his disciples two-by-two, and he knows exactly what he’s doing. They need the companionship of one another, as well as the encouragement. He warns them that they’re going out “like sheep among wolves,” and they probably desperately need the support of one another as well. In groups of two, the disciples will be able to proclaim the kingdom, and grow closer together while doing it.

However, Jesus sends them two-by-two for more than just company. St. Gregory says they were sent in twos because love has to do with two things: love of God and love of neighbor. He even says, “He who has not love for one another, ought not to [preach].” In other words, we’re told that they will know the Christians by their love, and how are the Christians supposed to show their love for one another if they’re all alone? Being a follower of Christ means being a member of a team sport; it means being part of a family with many members. We cannot pray “Our Father” to God unless we have brothers and sisters praying it alongside us, otherwise it’s just “My Father.” To pray to our Father means also to joyfully welcome all of those who God calls sons and daughters.

Do we find it easier to love God than to love our neighbor? Do we find it easier to love our neighbor across the world than our neighbor next door? Are we willing to encounter God two-by-two with those he has put in our path? On the road to heaven there’s no single file line, only the carpool lane.

"Be with me."

"I love You."

"Send me."

Spend some time with someone who is also seeking a relationship with God. Hang out with one another or go out together and meet someone new. Be a follower of Christ as a member of a team.

Use the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).

Today's first reading is all about the Holy Spirit: 

     “If you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” 

     “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and 
      self-control.”

     “If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.”

As Christians, we believe when we pray to one part of the Trinity, we are praying to all three parts; our one God. However, there is reason to pray to the different parts of the Trinity. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “We do not confess three Gods, but one God in three persons, the 'consubstantial Trinity'" (CCC 253). It goes on to emphasize that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit really are distinct divine persons, not just different names for God. 

One of the results of this truth is that we can have a unique relationship with each person of the Trinity. In my own spiritual life, I have a relationship in prayer both with God the Father and with Jesus, but I do not often speak to the Holy Spirit in prayer. 

Pope Francis states, “The Holy Spirit gives us joy. He is the author and creator of joy.” I think I would experience a greater joy if I allowed the Holy Spirit a greater role in my daily life. Take the book of the Acts of the Apostles for instance. The early Christians were filled with the Holy Spirit—and they lived lives that were filled with miracles, conversions, and joy! 

I am going to start inviting the Holy Spirit into my day each morning (with the help of a reminder on my phone). I am hopeful that it will bring greater joy and connection to God in my life.

These questions are to be used to talk to God; have a conversation with the Lord about these questions and what is going on in your heart as you pray today.

What is my relationship with the Holy Spirit like at this point in my life?

Which one of the fruits of the Spirit do I find most present in my life? Which one do I need to grow in?

​​How can I make the Holy Spirit a greater part of my every day life?

In this step, you listen. Stop talking, let God speak to your heart. You may repeat one of these short phrases to focus your mind on the Lord.

​"Come Holy Spirit."

"Lord, send your Holy Spirit upon us this day."

​"Holy Spirit, enlighten our hearts and our minds."

In light of today's reading and your time spent in prayer with the Lord, what concrete action or actions will you take to let this encounter with the Lord bear fruit in you today?

​Pray with the Holy Spirit today. It can be as simple as repeating the words "Come Holy Spirit."