Mystery

Ephesians 3:1-12
3:1 This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— 2 for surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given me for you, 3 and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, 4 a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. 5 In former generations this mystery[b] was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: 6 that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

The word “mystery” appears several times in this text (Eph. 3:1-12), and is a fitting text for around Epiphany.  Epiphany means revealing; something that has been hidden or unseen, is now revealed.  In this context, Paul sees himself as a servant that helps reveal the mystery of Christ’s unlimited grace --- this grace is not restricted to the Jewish people, heirs of God’s promises, but rather, this unbounded grace is big enough to envelope the Gentiles, as well.  Paul is a servant of this grace, sent to proclaim the availability of Christ’s endless riches --- grace is available to all people.

Paul is saying that through faith, the grace of God is offered to those beyond the original covenant that God made with Israel.  Non-Jewish people, through faith in Christ Jesus, have access to God’s grace.  Paul proclaims this good news to the Gentiles as one who considers himself a prisoner for Christ.  Under Christ’s rule, Paul proclaims the good news.

Paul is a servant of God’s grace; alas, aren’t we all?  Is that not what the Church is about - to proclaim and administer the means of God’s grace through the sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion and through the announcement of the forgiveness of sin?  The church, not as a building, but a community of people gathered together and sent into the world, we invite others into this relationship and share in the riches that Christ bestows on us. Having heard the good news of our salvation through Jesus Christ, let us be eager to share it with others.  May this not only be the words we pray, but the action we live every day.  Thanks be to God.  Amen.