Pope Benedict XVI - Weekly General Audience in English
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Continuing our catechesis on Saint Paul, we turn to
the “twin” letters: Colossians and Ephesians. Similar in language, they are unique
in developing the theme of Christ as “head” – kephalé – not only of the Church, but
also of the entire universe. These letters assure us that Christ is above any hostile
earthly power. Christ alone “loved us and gave himself up for us” (Eph 5:2), so that
if we remain close to him, we need not fear any adversity. It was God’s plan to “recapitulate”
all things in Jesus “through whom all things were created”, so that “by the blood
of his Cross” we might be reconciled to the Father. Christ’s headship also implies
that, in a certain sense, he is greater than the Church in that his dominion extends
beyond her boundaries, and that the Church, rather than the entire cosmos, is referred
to as the Body of Christ. These letters are also notable for the spousal image they
use to describe how Christ has “won” his bride – the Church – by giving his life for
her (cf. Eph 5:25). What greater sign of love could there be than this? Christ thus
desires that we grow more beautiful each day through irreproachable moral conduct,
“without wrinkle or defect” (Eph 5:27). By living uprightly and justly, may we bear
witness to the nuptial union which has already taken place in Christ as we await its
fulfilment in the wedding feast to come.