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.
I begin this exposition of the letter on the beautiful Feast of All Saints, when the Church remembers all who earnestly follow or have followed the Lord. It is good to remember that this applies to all of us and that we are indeed called to the path of holiness. Genuine conversion is followed by an effort to authentically live our faith, so that God may transform us in His image. Although we are created in God’s image, we still need to be purified and redeemed from all that darkens this image, sometimes making it barely recognizable. Let us remember that we do not live for ourselves alone but for others who need the witness of a Christian life.
Above all, our lives must focus on God our Father. Our lives are meant to honor Him, to bear witness to His goodness and wisdom to others, and thus to fulfill the purpose of our existence.
Let us hear what the Apostle to the Gentiles writes to the church in Colossae in Phrygia (the western part of Asia Minor). It is generally believed that he wrote this letter while in prison in Rome. Epaphras, who was ministering in the area on Paul’s behalf, reported that false teachings had crept in. This prompted the Apostle Paul to write the letter because false teachings are undoubtedly dangerous to the church in many ways and require a response.
First, we read:
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ at Colos′sae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love which you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing—so among yourselves, from the day you heard and understood the grace of God in truth, as you learned it from Ep′aphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.” (1:1-8)
The apostle, who establishes his authority through Jesus Christ at the beginning of the letter, does not immediately address the cause for concern that prompted the letter. First, he emphasizes his gratitude that the life of this church is bearing very good fruit, as they live out the true faith and love is present in this church. It is important to proceed in this way. These churches are young and always need encouragement, including an explanation of why this good fruit is evident. The word of truth of the Gospel has come to them, and they have recognized it. That is why the fruit is growing. The church there consisted mostly of converted Gentiles, with a smaller proportion of Jews who recognized the Messiah. This approach to dealing with the church is also familiar to us from the Book of Revelation, when we look at the seven letters to the churches. The Lord first emphasizes the good qualities and faithfulness of five churches before pointing out what urgently needs to be changed to three of them. Only the churches of Sardis and Laodicea are confronted directly by the exalted Lord regarding their misconduct and urged to repent immediately. Paul assures the church of his prayers so that they may feel supported and know that the apostle is always connected to them in this way.
The letter continues as follows:
“And so, from the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.” (1:9-11a)
Tomorrow we will continue our reflection on this letter.
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Meditation on the reading of the day (Solemnity of All Saints):