Daily Lesson for May 4, 2016

Today's Daily Lesson comes from Ephesians chapter 1 verses 7 through 10:

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

The unifying of all things -- all things in heaven and on earth, all nations and all peoples -- with God and with one another is the ultimate will of God and purpose of the Christ. This is the vision for the fullness of time, a vision not yet fully realized but already visible in the life and witness of certain extraordinary people.

There is a famously powerful story of St Francis's befriending of the wolf of Gubbio.  Wild and ravenous, the wolf had been terrorizing the townspeople.  Courageously, St Francis went out to the forest to meet the wolf and with the power of God St Francis compelled the wolf to shut his mouth and come and lie docilely near him. St Francis then called the wolf "Brother".  The wolf, now tamed and befriended, was then invited to come and be a part of the life of the village.

This is an image for us to behold with reflection and hope. What wolves of the forest are we being called to find courage to go out to and befriend?  What wolves does God want us to invite in and call "Brother"?

God's plan is for the reconciliation -- the bringing together -- of all things. That is a vision for the fullness of time. But it has to start somewhere.  So for now the nearest wolf -- even the tiniest of wolves -- will do.

#2BeOne