Wednesday of the
Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time
(Colossians 3:1-11; Luke 6:20-26)
The first part of today’s first reading serves as an
alternative second reading for Easter Sunday. It conveys the less emphasized
implication of Christ’s paschal victory.
Christians have been lifted up by Christ to live exemplary lives. It is as if they were moved to a mountaintop
where the air is fresh and the atmosphere free from distortions.
The author, who is either Paul or one of his later disciples,
names two sets of vices corrupting earthly existence. Both can be seen for what they are in the new,
clear environs. The first set largely deals
with sexual desire which often moves people to shameful acts with tragic
consequences. The second group has to do
with inner disorder that may burst out to inflict serious injury on others. The writer also reminds Christians of the
equality Christ bestows on his adherents.
Paupers and princes, nomads and farmers have the same exalted status in
Christ.
It is always helpful for us Christians to remember what
we have become. We principally do not
belong to a race, nation, or family. We
are not even our own. We belong to
Christ who empowers us to live righteously in an often corrupt world. We will probably experience many advantages living
so, not the least of which is a clear conscience. But the most marvelous reason to hold close
to Christ will be realized at the end of time.
Then he will unite our bodies and souls to live with him in glory for
eternity.
