“All Are Welcome”
Sieger Köder (1925-2015)
Sieger Köder (1925-2015) was a German artist and priest. During World War II, he served as a front-line soldier and was held as a prisoner of war in France. After the war, he studied art and become a teacher. In 1971, Köder was ordained as a Catholic priest. Köder’s work is distinctive for its strong colours and robust, chunky figures. They express a distinctively earthy theological and spiritual interpretation of biblical themes, and inclusive ecclesiology.
In “All Are Welcome”, we are invited to a Eucharistic celebration—a living metaphor of Christ's boundless grace and the transformative power. At the centre of the painting, Christ is present yet invisible—represented only by hands offering bread and cup. Around the table sit an assembly of humanity: a Jew, a prostitute, a beggar, a clown, a scholar, a rich woman, and a wounded African worker wearing concentration camp attire.
In the background, scratched into the canvas like faint, figures are the prodigal son and his father and the older brother. The invitation remains open: Will you come to the table? Will you see the divine in those different from you? Will you recognise that in the breaking of bread, we are all, despite our differences, brothers and sisters?
Lectio - Ephesians 3: 1-12
Jerusalem Bible
3:1 It is because of this that I, Paul, a prisoner of the Lord Jesus on behalf of you gentiles, 2 have surely heard the way in which God entrusted me with the grace he gave me for your sake. 3 He made known to me by a revelation the mystery I have just described briefly—4 a reading of it will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. 5 This mystery, as it is now revealed in the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets, was unknown to humanity in previous generations: 6 that the gentiles now have the same inheritance and form the same Body and enjoy the same promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 7 I have been made the servant of that gospel by a gift of grace from God who gave it to me by the workings of his power. 8 I, who am less than the least of all God's holy people, have been entrusted with this special grace, of proclaiming to the gentiles the unfathomable treasure of Christ 9 and of throwing light on the inner workings of the mystery kept hidden through all the ages in God, the Creator of everything. 10 The purpose of this was, that now, through the Church, the principalities and ruling forces should learn how many-sided God's wisdom is, 11 according to the plan which he had formed from all eternity in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him we are bold enough to approach God in complete confidence, through our faith in him.
New International Version
3:1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles, 2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. 7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
The New Catholic Bible
31 This is the reason why I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles 2 For you surely must have heard of the mystery of God’s grace that was entrusted to me on your behalf, 3 and how the mystery was made known to me by a revelation, as I have briefly written. 4 Reading this, you will be able to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. 5 It was not disclosed to human beings in previous generations, but now it has been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit, 6 namely that the Gentiles have become coheirs, members of the same body, and sharers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Mission to the Gentiles. 7 I became its minister by God’s grace bestowed on me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to proclaim to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ 9 and to enlighten all concerning the administration of the mystery that had been kept hidden throughout the ages in God, the creator of all things.10 In this way, the wisdom of God in its infinite variety might be made known through the Church to the principalities and powers in the heavens. 11 This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have free access to God in boldness and confidence because of our faith in him.
Meditatio: Unfolding the Mystery of Christ
Ephesians 3:1-12
1. Paul's Apostolic Mission - Ephesians 3:1 "For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles..."
The chapter begins by highlighting Paul's unique calling as a prisoner for Christ, emphasising the paradox of spiritual freedom found in this captivity. Catholic theology sees this as a profound illustration of how God's grace transforms seemingly negative circumstances into vehicles of divine purpose. Paul's imprisonment becomes a platform for revealing God's mysterious plan of salvation.
2. The Hidden Mystery Now Revealed - Ephesians 3:3-6 – "...how the mystery was made known to me by revelation... that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel."
Catholic theological tradition emphasises the concept of "mystery" (mysterion) as a central theme. This isn't a mystery in the detective novel sense (solved by human deduction) but a divine plan previously concealed and now gloriously unveiled through divine revelation. The key revelation is the radical inclusion of Gentiles into God's salvific plan, breaking down the historical barriers between Jews and Gentiles.
3. Ecclesial Unity - Ephesians 3:6 – "...the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body..."
The metaphor of the "one body" is crucial. Catholic teaching sees this as more than a spiritual concept—it's a real, sacramental unity. The church is not just a gathering of individuals, but a mystical body where Christ is the head and believers are interconnected members.
4. Universal Salvation - Ephesians 3:8-9 – "To me... this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God..."
The text powerfully articulates God's universal plan of salvation. Catholic theology strongly emphasizes that Christ's redemption is not limited to one people; God's love transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries and the church is a universal (catholic) community that unites all people in Christ.
5. Manifestation of Divine Wisdom - Ephesians 3:10 – "...so that through the Church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places."
the church is like a living, breathing illustration of God's wisdom. It's as if the church is a dynamic canvas that displays God's intricate plan of redemption, showing how He brings people together, transforms lives, and works out His purposes in the world. This happens in such a remarkable way that even spiritual beings take notice and can see the depth of God's strategic wisdom.
6. God's Eternal Counsel
Ephesians 3:11 – "This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord."
God's love and plan for humanity was not an afterthought, but something intentionally designed before the creation of the world. The plan is centred on Christ. God has a purposeful, predetermined plan that unfolds throughout history. This plan is not random or reactive, but carefully orchestrated and rooted in God's eternal love.
7. Confidence in Christ - Ephesians 3:12 – "in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him."
Through Christ, believers are fundamentally changed, a profound spiritual transformation that allows people to approach God without fear. Believers are not just servants or distant followers but are adopted as children of God. This means they have a familial, intimate relationship with the divine - similar to how a child has direct, confident access to a loving parent. This adoption changes their entire spiritual status and identity.
We can have an incredibly close, transformative relationship with God - one where they're welcomed, loved, and can approach the divine with complete confidence and freedom.
ORATIO
Loving Father,
Increase and overflow our love
for one another and for all people,
just as Your love overflows in us.
Strengthen our hearts in holiness,
making us blameless before You.
Grant us the grace to live
in a way that pleases You,
as the apostle Paul taught.
Help us to walk in obedience,
not out of fear,
but out of love and reverence
for Your divine instruction.
Empower us to grow,
moving away from selfish desires
and towards Your perfect will.
May we be faithful to Your call,
living not by our own understanding,
but by Your divine wisdom and grace.
Transform us daily,
making us more like Christ,
who reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
CONTEMPLATIO - - Living the Mystery of Christ
The Call to Unity in Mission
The mystery of God’s love reveals its inclusivity, transcending all differences. In Christ, we find a love that knows no barriers—cultural, social, or historical. This love calls every believer to break down walls, just as Paul worked to reconcile Jews and Gentiles. The gospel rises above human divisions, offering unity and hope. Christ unites all in one body, fulfilling God’s purpose of bringing harmony to a fractured world.
Embracing Your Role in God's Eternal Plan
Recognize your place in God’s eternal plan. You are included in His redemptive work by divine design, not by chance. Let gratitude and humility fill your heart as you accept this calling. You are part of Christ’s mystical body, interconnected with others called to serve and strengthen the Church’s unity. Embrace this identity and let it guide your actions toward a life of service and communion.
Living with Spiritual Confidence
The truth of Christ’s work brings spiritual confidence. Your boldness and access to God are not earned but gifted through His sacrifice. This assurance frees you from self-doubt, empowering you to live with courage, joy, and faith. Let this truth inspire you to boldly proclaim God’s love, radiating peace and strength from trusting in Him. In Christ, you have all you need to fulfil your calling with hope and confidence.
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