Wednesday
Colossians 2:6-15 and Colossians 3:12-17
For me, one way to experience a really good Lent happens when I take time to think and talk with others about Christian faith. I’m guessing that when Paul’s letters were written, Lent didn’t exist as a formal part of the liturgical year. He was writing to a Christian community in the earliest days of its existence. It is hard to imagine! I cannot visualize the discussions that people of this ancient culture had, surrounded by competing philosophies and spiritual practices that might have seemed more deeply rooted than theirs. But Paul has heard that they are struggling, challenged by the powers that be. He reminds them of the wonders of their Christianity and encourages their adherence to the concepts introduced by Jesus Christ , saying that their new faith has “disarmed the rulers and authorities…triumphing over them in it.”
Especially through Paul’s letters, we can read and reflect on how Christianity has travelled in Christian communities through the centuries to us. It’s a great way to appreciate what our Christian faith – and our Christian community – mean to us.
The first reading for today reminds the Colossians – and us - that through baptism we are raised up and formed by the living God through Jesus, so stick with it. The second reading tell us how to live the Christian life – well, in broad terms, anyway – and to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.” Sounds like a plan.
Ann Donohue
Colossians 2:6-15 and Colossians 3:12-17
For me, one way to experience a really good Lent happens when I take time to think and talk with others about Christian faith. I’m guessing that when Paul’s letters were written, Lent didn’t exist as a formal part of the liturgical year. He was writing to a Christian community in the earliest days of its existence. It is hard to imagine! I cannot visualize the discussions that people of this ancient culture had, surrounded by competing philosophies and spiritual practices that might have seemed more deeply rooted than theirs. But Paul has heard that they are struggling, challenged by the powers that be. He reminds them of the wonders of their Christianity and encourages their adherence to the concepts introduced by Jesus Christ , saying that their new faith has “disarmed the rulers and authorities…triumphing over them in it.”
Especially through Paul’s letters, we can read and reflect on how Christianity has travelled in Christian communities through the centuries to us. It’s a great way to appreciate what our Christian faith – and our Christian community – mean to us.
The first reading for today reminds the Colossians – and us - that through baptism we are raised up and formed by the living God through Jesus, so stick with it. The second reading tell us how to live the Christian life – well, in broad terms, anyway – and to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.” Sounds like a plan.
Ann Donohue
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