Thursday 24th September 2020
<\/p>\n
Colossians – Paul\u2019s Labours for the Gentiles <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Colossians 1: 24 – 29<\/span><\/p>\n I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ\u2019s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. I became its servant according to God\u2019s commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery that has been hidden throughout the ages and generations but has now been revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. It is he whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil and struggle with all the energy that he powerfully inspires within me.<\/span><\/p>\n Reflection<\/span> I recall the words on a poster I saw many years ago: \u201cIf you were accused of being a disciple of Jesus would there be sufficient evidence to convict you?\u201d In his exhortation, \u201cGaudete et Exsultate\u201d (Rejoice and Be Glad, 2018) Pope Francis said this: \u201cJesus himself warns us that the path he proposes goes against the flow, even making us challenge society by the way we live and, as a result, becoming a nuisance. He reminds us how many people have been, and still are, persecuted because they struggle for justice, because they take seriously their commitment to God and to others. Unless we wish to sink into an obscure mediocrity, let us not long for an easy life, for \u201cthose who want to save their life will lose it\u201d (Matthew 16: 25).\u201d He goes on to contrast the persecution we face as a result of steadfast faithfulness with suffering we bring on ourselves: \u201c\u2026 we are speaking about inevitable persecution, not the kind of persecution we might bring on ourselves by our mistreatment of others. The saints are not odd and aloof, unbearable because of their vanity, negativity and bitterness.\u201d He concludes, \u201cAccepting daily the path of the Gospel, even though it may cause us problems: that is holiness\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n For Paul it is not all about himself but about Christ: \u201cIt is he whom we proclaim\u201d. (Colossians 1: 28) Elsewhere (2 Corinthians 12: 9) Paul acknowledges that it is not in his own strength that he can endure suffering but through God\u2019s all-sufficient grace. That grace has potential to reach and strengthen us \u2013 even in lockdown. <\/span><\/p>\n Prayer<\/span><\/p>\n God of all grace,<\/span> Thursday 24th September 2020 Colossians – Paul\u2019s Labours for the Gentiles Colossians 1: 24 – 29 I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ\u2019s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. I became its servant according to … <\/p>\n
Paul responds to his sufferings with \u201crejoicing\u201d. He speaks from the reality of enduring persecution \u2013 literally imprisonment \u2013 as a result of his commitment to Christ. That may not, I suspect, be exactly how many of us feel!<\/span><\/p>\n
enable us to live as those who are worthy of persecution:<\/span>
may we not be odd and aloof<\/span>
or unbearable because of our vanity, negativity and bitterness.<\/span>
Enable our lives more and more to reflect the love of God seen in Jesus.<\/span>
Bless all who are persecuted for righteousness\u2019 sake:<\/span>
May they know your strength and help in their suffering.<\/span>
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.<\/span> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"