From Intimacy to Action: Sharing and Receiving in Ephesians 5
“For the Souls in Purgatory – Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord”
Ephesians 5:15-21
Watch carefully then how you live, not as foolish persons but as wise, making the most of the opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not continue in ignorance, but try to understand what is the will of the Lord. And do not get drunk on wine, in which is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and playing to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks always and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father. Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Grace Prayed For
This passage prompts us to pray for the grace of Wise Discernment—the ability to choose daily, even hourly, to be “filled with the Spirit” rather than the world, so that our every encounter is governed by Christ’s reverence and not our own ego.
Reflection
This This passage provides the practical blueprint for your prayer. Paul presents a powerful contrast: a life of foolishness (“drunk on wine”) versus a life of wisdom (“filled with the Spirit”). Intimacy with the Holy Spirit isn’t just a private, passive feeling; it is an active, commanded filling that must be sought, and it completely reorients our lives and all our encounters.
What is the immediate, overflowing result of this divine intimacy? It is exactly the mission you are praying for.
First, this filling empowers us to share. When the Spirit fills our hearts, we cannot remain silent. We are compelled to “address one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.” Our intimacy with God becomes the song we sing to others. This isn’t just about music; it’s about speaking words of life, grace, and encouragement. We share the joy that the Spirit has first shared with us.
Second, this filling empowers us to receive. This is the most counter-cultural part: “Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ.” This isn’t about weakness; it’s about the profound strength it takes to receive another person fully. It means setting aside our own ego and agenda to see Christ in them. This mutual “subordination” is the ultimate act of receiving in an encounter, making space for the other person’s gifts, needs, and personhood.
This is the Trinitarian life in action. We are filled with the Spirit (our Intimacy), which allows us to have “reverence for Christ” (our Mission) in others, all while “giving thanks” to the Father (our Source). The love that shines forth is the Spirit’s own overflow, turning every encounter into a wise and holy act of worship.
Daily Evangelization and Baptismal Mission
Evangelizing in Day-to-Day Life
“Be Subordinate” by Listening: The most powerful way to “receive” in an encounter is to truly listen. Put your phone down, make eye contact, and let the other person speak without interrupting. Ask a question about their story. This act of “subordinating” your own agenda to receive them proclaims, “Jesus loved me by listening to me in my brokenness, and I want to honor Him by offering that same reverence and presence to you.”
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