Wednesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
(Colossians 1:1-8; Luke 4:38-44)
Today’s first reading is taken from the beginning of the
Letter to the Colossians. The writer is supposedly
St. Paul; however, many modern exegetes believe that it was written by one of
the apostle’s disciples. The Colossians were the people of Colossae, a city of
Asia Minor (now Turkey) east of Ephesus.
The letter addresses problems of the Christian community in Colossae. There is confusion over the role of angels
and also over ascetical practices such as fasting.
This passage is striking for its coordination of the Holy
Trinity with the theological virtues. Paul
acknowledges hope of heaven where God, the Father, reigns. The hope is being realized by the people’s
faith in Jesus Christ. Meanwhile, it is foretasted
in the love people share in the Holy Spirit.
We are to love others not out of a natural attraction but
from our hope of eternal life. Jesus not
only told us of God the Father’s unconditional love but also demonstrated that
love in his passion and death. Our belief
in him moves us to imitate his selfless love.
Thankfully, we have the Spirit to help us.
