Today’s first reading is from the always mysterious, often misunderstood and frequently misinterpreted Book of Revelation. Perhaps the centerpiece of the book is the letter to the seven churches of Asia Minor from which we hear the letter to the community as Ephesus.
The letter opens by praising this community for its endurance and its resistance to false teachers who claim to be apostles – most likely traveling missionaries carrying an apocryphal message. Though not in danger from false teachers, the Ephesian community has to be recalled to its former enthusiasm. The Sacred Writers accomplishes this by first reminding the listener of the source of the message: “The one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks in the midst of the seven gold lampstands.”
While the letter praises them for their works…labors…endurance, and rejection of the false teachings offered to them, they are admonished because: “you have lost the love you had at first. Realize how far you have fallen.” One can imagine they have accomplished great things, but…. It is the message St. Paul gives to the Corinthian community: “if I do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal.” Just so much noise that drowns out all the good.
Ephesus is one of the stars held by the Lord which seems to be in the midst of falling, echoing imagery from Isaiah 14. The Lord’s threat to remove their lampstand image recalls imagery of the divine presence in the single lampstand with seven lamps in Zech 4:2 is clear – nothing you can or will do means anything if not done in love. “I hold this against you: you have lost the love you had at first.”
It is a reminder to each of us. When we serve others, correct others, share our faith, or any word/action as “traveling missionaries” in this world, it is in our demonstration of love that verifies us as authentic Christians and followers of Christ. Without love we are nothing. Just so much noise in the world. We become lost along the way.
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