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Dismantling the Walls: Finding Peace in Christ
“For the Souls in Purgatory – Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord”
Ephesians 2:11-22
Therefore, remember that at one time you, Gentiles in the flesh, who were called “uncircumcision” by the so-called “circumcision,” which is done in the flesh by human hands—remember that you were at that time without Christ, alienated from the community of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have become near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, he who made both one and broke down the dividing wall of enmity, through his flesh, abolishing the law with its commandments and legal claims, that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile both with God in one body, through the cross, bringing the enmity to an end by means of it. He came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near, for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Grace Prayed For
The scripture passage prompts us to pray for the grace to be a “dwelling place of God”—to allow Jesus’ peace and presence to not just enter our hearts but to reside there fully, so that our lives become a living testimony to His saving power. We pray for the grace to actively cooperate with the Holy Spirit in this process of being built up.
Reflection
My heart, I tell you this because it is something I need to hear and to feel and to believe and to live, Jesus desires to save me. This isn’t a concept or a doctrine; it is a living reality poured out on the Cross. This passage from Ephesians is a beautiful love letter, reminding us of our past and celebrating our present. Think of it: once, we were “far off,” separated and alienated, living “without hope and without God in the world.” That was me. That was you. But God, in his boundless love, didn’t leave us there. He saw us in our brokenness and confusion and decided to draw us close.
The “dividing wall of enmity” that this scripture mentions wasn’t just between two groups of people; it was the wall between our heart and God’s heart. Jesus, by his sacrifice, didn’t just tear down a wall; he became the bridge. He made peace not just between us and our neighbor, but between our very souls and our Creator. He is our peace, and because of him, we “have access in one Spirit to the Father.” This is the heart of intimacy with our Trinitarian God: we are no longer strangers but are now welcomed into the family, the very “household of God.”
This isn’t a passive gift. We are now being “built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” We are living stones, and our mission is to become part of this living, breathing temple. Our salvation isn’t just about our own well-being; it’s about our participation in God’s grand design. Each time we choose love over hate, forgiveness over resentment, and peace over division, we are adding another stone to this sacred dwelling. We are partnering with Jesus to restore all of creation by first allowing him to restore us, and then carrying that peace to others. When we recognize that Jesus has truly saved us and made us part of His family, we can’t help but share that love with the world.
Announcing Jesus in Our Lives
Evangelizing doesn’t always require standing on a street corner. It is a daily, relational mission rooted in who we are as baptized people. We proclaim the Gospel by:
Praying for others: Offer to pray for someone who is going through a difficult time. This simple act acknowledges God’s presence and invites him into their life in a non-threatening way.
Sharing our story: When a friend is struggling with hopelessness, gently share a moment when Jesus brought you hope. It’s not about being preachy, but about being authentic.
Practicing radical hospitality: Open your home or your lunch table to someone who feels like an outsider. The passage reminds us of our own time as “strangers,” so we should be especially welcoming to others.
Living with peace and forgiveness: When a coworker or family member wrongs you, respond with peace instead of retaliation. This visible difference, a direct result of Christ’s work in you, is a powerful witness.
When Time Allows Reflect on the Posts in Library and Musings
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post