In today’s First Reading Paul describes the spiritually dead as following the “ruler of the power of the air.” How many ways can we interpret that expression today? Power over the air can be understood as having power over nothing, or something ethereal. The airwaves today are full of unsubstantial noise as the media seeks to entertain and allure for ratings and profit, and the virtual “airwaves” are often not better. In one corner of the world, sometimes one corner of society, people follow superficial pursuits, while in the other people are living tragedy, just trying to make ends meet and eke out their existence. If St. John Paul II spoke of solidarity, the power of the air could be branded unsolidarity as each pursues their desires indifferently to or at the expense of their neighbor. The Gospel reminds us today that all the things we strive for in this world, if we just seek a cozy and comfortable retirement, will vanish into thin air when we die.
Yet Paul reminds us that thanks to faith and grace we have been promised a share in the Resurrection and Ascension of Our Lord. Believing in him, we become one with him and, just as he did, we will suffer, but we will also be restored to new life and one day take our place in the heavenly Father’s presence. Through Christ we have gone from being children of wrath to being children of God. Through our good works we work for something of substance, not just for ourselves, but for others. The power of the air is just that: hot air. The power of Christ is eternal.
What life do you want? A life of hot air, or a life in Christ?
Readings: Ephesians 2:1–10; Psalm 100:1b–5; Luke 12:13–21. See also 18th Week in Ordinary Time, Sunday, Cycle C and 29th Week in Ordinary Time, Monday.