Breaking the Word

23^rd Week in Ord. Time, Wednesday – 12^th September 2023 – Col 3,1-11; Lk 6,20-26

Clothed in Virtues

The first reading presents two interlocking elements: the first deals with the believer’s relationship with Christ, and the second speaks of the behaviour which should naturally follow from that relationship. However, Paul challenges the Christians at Colossae to throw off the vicious garments (clothing of vices) and to put on virtuous apparel (clothing of virtues). As to the believer’s position in Christ: they are dead; they have been raised with Christ; they are already with Christ in heaven. It means, they have: “stripped off the old self… and have clothed themselves with the new self.” As they emerge out of the waters of Baptism and the new life which they have received in Jesus, they don new, white garments which symbolize their sharing in the life of the Risen Lord. Paul equates the old, soiled clothing with the life of vices that they should have left behind. They are not to return to wearing those dirty things, but to always realize the newness they have received in Christ. He gives some examples of things the Colossians need to die to: immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, greed, anger, fury, malice, slander, and obscene language and lying. These behaviours marked their pre-Christian lives but now should be removed from their life because they are clothed in Christ. The ‘new self’ is reborn in Christ, who is the true image of God and, in his humanity, the true image of what is to be human.

23^rd Week in Ord. Time, Tuesday – 12^th September 2023 —  Col 2,6-15; Lk 6,12-19

Images for Growing in Faith

In the first reading, Paul gives warnings against errors into which the Colossians were reported to be falling. This is a crucial passage that exposes the core teachings of Paul, on the denial of Philosophy and Christ’s fullness in God. The Colossians were carried away by a fascination with various cosmic powers and angelic forces. He begins by providing three images that show the importance of walking in faith (Col 2,6). First, we are “rooted” in Christ. The idea is that of a tree or plant whose roots form the strength and basis for life. The believer’s roots are Christ, not another source, as false teachers would suggest. Second, the believer is “built up” in Christ. This building or architectural metaphor speaks of a building that is constructed by the power of Christ. Just as only Christ can save a person, only Christ can build up or mature a person. Third, to be “established” in the faith is a legal metaphor referring to maturity or something firmly decided. They should hold firm to this faith that was passed on to them from the teachings of the apostles. The problems of Colossians can be found practically everywhere in the Church and society today. We should not be misled by fads and fashions.