Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17

This entry is now in its third rendition. Not due to the editorial comments of a friend who reads my near about weekly entries, but because my computer keeps shutting down. I have been thinking and writing about St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians and the invitation he gives them to:

Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved,
heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,
bearing with one another and forgiving one another,
if one has a grievance against another;
as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.
And over all these put on love,
that is, the bond of perfection.
And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,
the peace into which you were also called in one body.
And be thankful. Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17

This reading is placed at the end of one very busy week in the life of a Christian. The book ends of the 4th week of Advent and the Feast of the Holy Family make way for the celebration of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This is a week when we change our daily patterns to make way for all kinds of gatherings to celebrate community and family life as we define it. This is not always easy and yet smack dab in one of the busiest time of the year this reading is here to remind me what it means that Christ came into the world. That Christ came to call me to more.

As I look into a new beginning I shall read this message to the Colossians as a way to greet and move into the New Year. And then when I allow myself to wallow in the fear of not being enough I shall remember: “And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful.”