The passage from Ephesians speaks about a moment in time "before the world was made" when God chose us in Christ "to be holy and spotless … to live through love in His presence" to "become His adopted (children)" (Eph. 1:4-5); and to be blessed "with all the spiritual blessings of heaven" (ver.3). We were chosen not because we were deserving but because it was God's "own will" (ver. 11) and for God's "own kind purposes" (ver. 5). We were chosen to "praise the glory of His grace" (ver. 6) and "for His greater glory" (ver.12). When we meditate on these words, they do sound very overwhelming! Likewise, at the Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel conveyed to Mary that she was "highly favoured" (Lk.1:28); that she, though a virgin will 'conceive and bear a son" (Lk.1:31); and that He will be called "the Son of the Most High" (Lk.1:32) - this too could have been very overwhelming for her!

So, how shall we respond to this overwhelming grace of God in our lives? Let us live out our lives in holiness and humility; remembering that in the Old Testament, Israel, was chosen, not because they were "most numerous of all peoples" for they were the "smallest of all", but because of God's love (Dt 7:7-8).

So, let us do what St Paul said, "praise the glory of His grace" (Eph 1:6); and like the Psalmist, "sing a new song to the Lord" (Ps.98:1), "shout to the Lord" and "ring out" our joy (Ps. 98:3).