The Leave-taking of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross; Holy Apostle Codratus of Magnesia (249-52)
Ephesians 1:22-2:3; Mark 10:46-52
Read Ephesians 1:22-2:3
The Gentiles lived according to the age of the world, essentially idolaters as they did not recognize the one true God. St. Paul points this out to the Ephesians. He also includes himself and all the Jews as they were while awaiting the coming of the Saviour shackled in sin. And even with all this—the unworthiness of the Jews and the Gentiles—we are offered undeservedly the glory of salvation.
This is why each of us must be watchful each day of the disordered thoughts and temptations that might spring up: fantasies and desires which make themselves known whether of anger, envy, gluttony, pride, coldness of heart, sulkiness, greed, etc. Let us turn our eyes to the Lord and revel in the salvation that He gives to us, and live it, and love it!