Main news for 19 May 2008

Saying farewell to the Ephesian presbyters and not expecting to see them again, the apostle Paul gives them a final instruction, as if a testament. And, giving himself as an example, he tells them several unexpected things. We are accustomed to connect Christian life first of all with spiritual labors, while material activity, secular work, is for us a kind of burdensome necessity. That is, we agree to endure it as something secondary that allows us to survive but reduces the possibilities of our "spiritual" service. Paul, however, proposes that we perceive this labor as genuine service and work in such a way as not only to feed ourselves and our family, but also to help others, support the weak, and have the ability to give. The leading position of Christians in the world commanded by Christ ("the light of the world," "the salt of the earth") also consists in being the best workers, not for one's own glory, but for the transformation of this world.