Faith's Firm Foundation: Reflections on Paul's Arrival in Ephesus
May 13, 2024 - Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Acts 19:1-8; Psalm 68:2-3ab, 4-5acd, 6-7ab; Jn 16:29-33
The ancient city of Ephesus was truly blessed, as it played host to many great Christians: Priscilla and Aquila, Apollos, Paul, and according to ancient tradition, the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint John. Though we do not know who initially established the Christian community there, Ephesus became a pivotal center for spreading the Gospel throughout the region of the Roman Empire. Today, Luke narrates for us the story of Paul's arrival in this important ancient city.
In today’s Gospel, the disciples declare their belief in Christ, yet the hour of Jesus’ death would reveal the weakness of their faith. Saint Paul encountered twelve disciples in Ephesus whose faith similarly rested on a weak foundation. Both groups required a stronger foundation for their faith, rooted in the mystery of Jesus' death and resurrection and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Paul explains the distinction between John's baptism and Christian baptism. While the former focused on repentance, the latter signifies union with Christ. John's baptism aimed to redirect people's lives towards Jesus, whereas Christian baptism grants us new life in Christ. John's baptism employed water alone, while Christian baptism incorporates water and the Holy Spirit. Through Christian baptism, we participate in Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. We die to sin and live for God, becoming God's children and the living temples of the Holy Spirit. All of this was missing from the initial catechesis received by the twelve men in Ephesus.
After being baptized, Paul laid his hands upon them, and they received the Holy Spirit. The outward signs of receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit included the ability to speak in languages and prophesy (Acts 19:6). Since its early days, the Church has proclaimed the Gospel in various languages of the world (see Acts 2:4, 8-12). The Church also possesses the gift of prophecy, enabling it not only to predict the future based on present circumstances but also to strengthen, encourage, and console believers, firmly believing that the ultimate destiny of the world rests in God's hands. This sentiment is echoed in our responsorial Psalm today: "God arises; his enemies are scattered" (Ps 68:2).
Saint Paul is renowned for his use of the phrase “in Christ” as opposed to being “in the world.” A similar distinction is evident in today’s Gospel: in Christ, we find peace, while in the world, we encounter tribulations. Though we were once of this world, through faith, we are now in Christ. Despite the challenges faced by Christians in the world, Jesus encourages us to take courage. This courage does not originate from within us but is derived from Jesus, who has overcome the world.
The twelve men who were baptised and received the sacrament of confirmation were "taken from the world" and placed "in Christ". And "in Christ" they found everything they searched for in life: love, peace, joy, and the assurance of life that knows no end.