Daily Retreat 09/05/07
2007 Sep 5 Wed
Col 1: 1-8/ Ps 51(52): 10. 11/ Lk 4: 38-44
From today’s readings: “We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you.... I trust in the mercy of God for ever.... At sunset, all who had people sick with various diseases brought them to Him....”
Faith, Hope, and Charity
Since we begin today reading Paul’s letter to the Colossians, the first bit of business is to encourage you to read the whole letter! The next week and a half will take us through most of the letter, so it’s so helpful to have the big picture as we go along.
Beginning with the virtues of faith, hope, and love (v. 1:4-5), this greeting is theologically rich and one of the warmest of all Paul’s introductions, and that’s particularly interesting since Paul was not the founder of the Church there (probably founded by Epaphras mentioned in v. 1:7), and also, Paul was in prison when he wrote it (cf. 4:18).
In the opening verses, notice how grateful Paul is, and not for any personal favors from the Colossians, as for the abundant fruits of their faith! So today (and everyday!) you and I can remember to give thanks to God for those who, even if not known personally to us, nevertheless inspire us with their faith, hope, and charity. The letter will develop this insight of the transcendent unity we enjoy because of our faith - don’t overlook it!
Col 1: 1-8/ Ps 51(52): 10. 11/ Lk 4: 38-44
From today’s readings: “We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you.... I trust in the mercy of God for ever.... At sunset, all who had people sick with various diseases brought them to Him....”
Faith, Hope, and Charity
Since we begin today reading Paul’s letter to the Colossians, the first bit of business is to encourage you to read the whole letter! The next week and a half will take us through most of the letter, so it’s so helpful to have the big picture as we go along.
Beginning with the virtues of faith, hope, and love (v. 1:4-5), this greeting is theologically rich and one of the warmest of all Paul’s introductions, and that’s particularly interesting since Paul was not the founder of the Church there (probably founded by Epaphras mentioned in v. 1:7), and also, Paul was in prison when he wrote it (cf. 4:18).
In the opening verses, notice how grateful Paul is, and not for any personal favors from the Colossians, as for the abundant fruits of their faith! So today (and everyday!) you and I can remember to give thanks to God for those who, even if not known personally to us, nevertheless inspire us with their faith, hope, and charity. The letter will develop this insight of the transcendent unity we enjoy because of our faith - don’t overlook it!
posted by FrPitstick | 9/03/2007
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