Second Sunday After Christmas

The Light of the World
Frank Wesley, 1923-2002

My dear friends,

Paul’s advice in Ephesians 1:3-14, when viewed through the lens of the Bodhisattva path, can be reinterpreted as a profound teaching on the interconnectedness of all beings, the nature of Bodhicitta (the Awakening Mind), and the unfolding of divine wisdom and compassion for the benefit of all. Here is how each verse could be understood in this light:

Blessed be the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us in Christ
with every spiritual blessing
in the heavenly places,...
- Ephesians 1:3

The "spiritual blessings" can be understood as the Four Immeasurables: loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity. These qualities are the essence of an Awakened Mind, bringing the "heavenly places" down to earth for ourselves and others in every moment.

...just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world
to be holy and blameless before him in love.
- Ephesians 1:4

A Bodhisattva is "chosen" not as a matter of privilege but as an expression of universal love and wisdom, which calls us to embody compassion and live free from the stains of self-clinging.

He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ,
according to the good pleasure of his will,...
- Ephesians 1:5

We can realize our destiny to awaken as children of wisdom and compassion by adopting the process of cultivating an Awakening Mind, where we recognize our interconnectedness with all beings and dedicate our lives to the liberation of all.

...to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
- Ephesians 1:6

Grace is the unearned gift of spiritual teachings of countless generations, now freely available to all. The "Beloved" is the Awakened Mind itself, which is both the source and the goal of the spiritual path.

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses,
according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us.
- Ephesians 1:7-8a

Redemption can be seen as the purification of karma through wisdom and compassionate action. "Blood" symbolizes the life-energy given selflessly, much like the Bodhisattva's self-sacrifice to alleviate the suffering of others. Forgiveness arises naturally in the heart trained in non-attachment and loving-kindness, and the lavishness of grace parallels the inexhaustible generosity of bodhicitta..

With all wisdom and insight, he has made known to us the mystery of his will,
according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ,...
- Ephesians 1:8b-9

From the viewpoint of the Bodhisattva path, ultimate wisdom is the insight into the mystery of emptiness and interdependent origination, which enables the Bodhisattva to serve others skillfully and selflessly, as exemplified the life and teachings of Jesus.

...as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
- Ephesians 1:10

The "plan" for fullness reflects the Bodhisattva's vow to gather all beings into the enlightened state, uniting samsara and nirvana.

In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined
according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will.
- Ephesians 1:11

Our inheritance from Christ comprises his teachings and example, and his promise to abide within us, which point to the destiny that unfolds as we align ourselves with the dharma of compassion and wisdom.

So that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory.
- Ephesians 1:12

Setting our hope on Christ parallels taking refuge in the Awakened Mind, and there is no higher glory than to dedicate our lives to the liberation of others.

In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit.
- Ephesians 1:13

The "word of truth" is the Dharma, the teachings that liberate us from delusion. The "seal" of the Holy Spirit represents the awakening of bodhicitta within our hearts, marking us as those who walk the path of universal love and wisdom.

This is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God's own people, to the praise of his glory.
- Ephesians 1:14

The "pledge of our inheritance" is the Bodhisattva vow, which ensures that we progress toward enlightenment not for ourselves alone, but for the redemption and liberation of all beings. This is the highest expression of the awakened mind.

Paul’s exaltation of grace, predestination, and redemption can be understood on the Bodhisattva path as a call to cultivate bodhicitta and dedicate ourselves to the liberation of all beings. In this interpretation, Christ represents the archetype of the fully awakened Bodhisattva, guiding us with unconditional love and wisdom.