Please read the Scripture passage before the homily.
Before we say goodbye to Ephesians, I want to backtrack to Ephesians 2 for the good and challenging news it contains.
You, who were once alienated and strangers to God, now belong to God’s family, God’s household, God’s people. You crossed the borders, settled in a new place, got your green card and received citizenship papers. You are now in. You are now part of that great nation that began with the Apostles and has Christ as the capstone, the One who holds all arches together. You are being built in a dwelling place for God.
I understand that King George wants to slim down the British monarchy, reduce it size so that it can respond better to the needs of a modern monarchy. God, however, is more interested in expanding God’s monarchy. God has room for more and the more in God’s monarchy, the better God can take care of the world. King George says that the fewer is better; God say that the more the better.
You, my dear friends, are part of the more. Not just strangers and sojourners, not just citizens with the holy ones, you are an integral part of God’s household, God’s palace. You are built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets. In fact, you share in the apostolic and prophetic office. In you and through you, you have become a place where God dwells among the people.
This is the good news we are sent to preach and to live. This is the challenge we are meant to live. We are not only God’s dwelling place on earth, but we are also God’s voice announcing the good news.
Keep up the good work.