Pope Leo wrote of Lent 2026: "I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbor. Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgement, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves. Instead, let us strive to measure our words and cultivate kindness and respect in our families, among our friends, at work, on social media, in political debates, in the media and in Christian communities. In this way, words of hatred will give way to words of hope and peace." I am not Catholic and the role of the Pope (and Mary, and sacraments, and the Eucharist) are a point of disagreement for us, but these words are wise. Fasting from overuse and abuse of words makes a lot of sense spiritually.
I will be writing responses to succeeding verses in the book of Ephesians over the next 40 or so days until Resurrection Day. Ephesians, unlike Corinthians and Galatians, is not written to address a certain problem in a church. It is therefore more theological and I guess I would say positive in tone. We read of our calling and posture or placement as believers, how we exist as part of a holy temple being built to God's glory, and how nothing now should stand in the way of fellowship across cultures (focused on Jew/Gentile). Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. It starts simply. Note that Paul calls them faithful in Christ Jesus. He knew this church, or really collection of house churches, well from evangelizing there for close to two years, perhaps longer. I visited Ephesus in the fall on my tri...