Hope for the Human Family

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21

For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all
we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Reflection: 

Maye, Isaac, and I saw the exhibit film “Dark Universe” at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, last week. It features exquisite renderings and visualizations of the cosmic phenomena of the universe and the breakthroughs that give astronomers an increasingly detailed and precise picture of how our universe formed and evolved. I walked away from the film overwhelmed by both the vastness of our expanding universe and the smallness of our planet against the whole of the universe.

I left wondering if we are the only civilization in the whole vast universe? Even if we are not the only civilization in the universe, there would be millions of light years between us and other civilizations. If we are the only human civilization within millions of light years from other civilizations, and this precious little, fragile planet is our home, then why so much human struggle, so much hatred, so much strife, violence, and warring in the world? Should we not work together to find the way of love, peace, and justice in our families, our congregations, our communities, in our nation, and our world?

In his prayer, Paul positions himself atop a cosmic vantage point overlooking the whole human family which includes all ethnic groups and peoples. His prayer embraces the whole human family as he prays for the unity of the world’s peoples under the Lordship of Christ. He prays that all people would know the love of Christ and be filled with the fullness of God.

Through prayer, Paul is able to see a vision of the glorious splendor of God’s everlasting kingdom that endures throughout all generations. He was able to understand that the Lord is faithful in all his words and gracious in all his deeds, just, kind, and near to all who call on him no matter where they may find themselves on this small,  beloved little planet situated in a small cosmic corner of the Milky Way Galaxy within our vast and ever-expanding universe. To God be the glory!

Prayer for Peace

Gentle Spirit, Breathe in us the wind of truth, wisdom, and righteousness. May your Presence inspire us to create labyrinths of peace. Compassionate One, Make our hearts burn with love, honoring all peoples and creation. Bless all nations, every family, and community while we seek to work for justice and unity. Prince of Peace, Lead us to ways of healing and reconciliation we pray with those who suffer and struggle. Bless us with your reconciling love that knows no boundaries as we seek to live in community, justice, and peace. So be it. 

By Rev. Elizabeth Tapia from the Philippines, director of Mission Theology for Global Ministries