“FIRST, THE FATHER!”

“Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” (Col 1:12)

This is how the praise of God begins in the so-called Christ Hymn in the Letter to the Colossians. It serves as a reminder that all the graces we are privileged to receive through the Son of God come from our Heavenly Father. Therefore, it is right that we not overlook this, but, just as the prayers in the Holy Mass are always addressed to our divine Father, turn back to God our Father in joy, praise, and thanksgiving for everything.

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THE LETTER OF ST PAUL TO THE COLOSSIANS: Introduction

Since the proclamation of the Gospel is very close to my heart—and thus the testimony of all Holy Scripture—I turn to the Letter to the Colossians, written by St. Paul. For those who prefer the current Scripture readings, we refer to texts I have discussed in recent years at the end.

In my view, these interpretations of Scripture are particularly important at this time, as a modernist approach to the Holy Scriptures is becoming increasingly prevalent—one that often offers no real nourishment for the soul. Yet the Word of God is so rich and so important that we should hear it again and again, pondering it in our hearts as the Blessed Virgin Mary did, so that it may bear abundant fruit.

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The last place

Lk 14:1,7-11

Now it happened that on a Sabbath day Jesus had gone to share a meal in the house of one of the leading Pharisees; and they watched him closely. He then told the guests a parable, because he had noticed how they picked the places of honour. He said this, ‘When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take your seat in the place of honour. A more distinguished person than you may have been invited, and the person who invited you both may come and say, “Give up your place to this man.” And then, to your embarrassment, you will have to go and take the lowest place. No; when you are a guest, make your way to the lowest place and sit there, so that, when your host comes, he may say, “My friend, move up higher.” Then, everyone with you at the table will see you honoured. For everyone who raises himself up will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be raised up.’ Read More

The Sabbath was made for man

Lk 14:1-6

Now it happened that on a Sabbath day he had gone to share a meal in the house of one of the leading Pharisees; and they watched him closely. Now there in front of him was a man with dropsy, and Jesus addressed the lawyers and Pharisees with the words, ‘Is it against the law to cure someone on the Sabbath, or not?’ But they remained silent, so he took the man and cured him and sent him away. Then he said to them, ‘Which of you here, if his son falls into a well, or his ox, will not pull him out on a Sabbath day without any hesitation?’ And to this they could find no answer.

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On Spiritual Combat

Eph  6:10-18

Finally, Bretheren, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace; besides all these, taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. Read More

Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles: “Reflection on the Church”

Eph 2:19-22

Brothers: you are no longer aliens or foreign visitors; you are fellow-citizens with the holy people of God and part of God’s household. You are built upon the foundations of the apostles and prophets, and Christ Jesus himself is the cornerstone. Every structure knit together in him grows into a holy temple in the Lord; and you too, in him, are being built up into a dwelling-place of God in the Spirit. Read More