The word of the day is “futility.”  Today’s business climate puts a premium on efficiency. Management models focus on ways to save time and energy to increase profits.  However, efficiency does not equal effectiveness.  One can be most efficient, but our work may not be worthwhile. Today in our reading of Ephesians 4:14-19, Paul warns his flock against living as other Gentiles do in the “futility of their mind” (vs. 17). From the apostles’ spiritual point of view, the unbelieving citizens of the Roman empire are living unproductive and ineffective lives despite their efficiency. Today we consider how we can avoid the entrapments of lifestyles that are empty of meaning or benefit to others. We reflect on how we can live…
The word of the day is “futility.”[1] Today’s business climate puts a premium on efficiency. Management models focus on ways to save time and energy to increase profits.  However, efficiency does not equal effectiveness.  One can be most efficient, but our work may not be worthwhile. Today in our reading of Ephesians 4:14-19, Paul warns his flock against living as other Gentiles do in the “futility of their mind” (vs. 17). From the apostles’ spiritual point of view, the unbelieving citizens of the Roman empire are living unproductive and ineffective lives despite their efficiency. Today we consider how we can avoid the entrapments of lifestyles that are empty of meaning or benefit to others. We reflect on how we can…
The word of the day is “alienated.” In our reading of Colossians 1:18-23, St. Paul proclaims that Christ has “made peace through the blood of His cross” (vs.20). Why did it take the suffering of the Cross for the Father to “reconcile all things to himself”? Why couldn’t some sweet words of His lovingkindness have accomplished it? Why couldn’t our Heavenly Father have declared his unmerited forgiveness of sinners without such the shedding of the Lord’s blood? Theologians have wrestled with these questions throughout the centuries. In our reading, St. Paul refers to the “human condition” to give one answer. He states, “you… were once were alienated and enemies [of God] in your mind by wicked works…” (vs. 21).  Paul…