The prayer in Ephesians is one of the most profound in the New Testament. Our weaknesses and limitations are not what define us. We pray that our inner self - the deeper part of who we are - grows strong. Christ lives in our heart through our faith, for faith is the open door through which the Lord enters us. Christ himself becomes our strength and our identity. But love is the foundation of everything, for when we are planted and built upon love, then we will know the fullness of God. We cannot buy, manipulate, or reason our way to God; we can only love our way to Him. This is God's work, but God needs our openness and cooperation.

Jesus is called the Prince of Peace, and yet he says clearly that he did not come to bring peace, but division! Peace has many definitions. Jesus brings peace between humanity and God, and between those who are willing to walk the path of love and justice. The division that Jesus brings is that which arises naturally between those who choose the way of love and those who choose a selfish path. Following the path of Jesus also means fresh, new ideas and ways of living. We might be challenged to reexamine economic, social and political structures, or gender relationships. Following Jesus does not mean maintaining the status quo or business as usual. But our faith teaches us not to feel threatened or afraid: God is our rock, anchor, and salvation. Let us walk the path of Jesus without fearing rejection, ridicule or persecution.