23rd Week in Ordinary Time: Thursday 12th September 2019

If we were asked what qualities and lifestyle, followers of Christ would possess, what would we say? We can safely quote Colossians 3:12-17.

In this passage, St Paul lists for us the virtues we are to possess — compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, forgiving, and loving (vv 12-14). An overwhelming list indeed! And yet St Paul would not have listed them down if he had not also assured us that we can possess these virtues because we are God’s “chosen”, God’s  “saints:” (v 12).

Continuing on, St Paul reminds us that though we are different we are “called together as parts of one body” (v 15) — the body of Christ, the Church. Because we are different, it is inevitable that there will be difficulties in our relationships — therefore St Paul urges us to maintain peace amongst ourselves — to let the peace given by Christ “to reign” in our hearts (v 15). In this way we will maintain our unity.

In conclusion St Paul says, that as to the message of Christ — let it “find a home with you” and use it to “teach” and “advise” (v 16). He then encourages us to “be thankful”; and with “gratitude” in our hearts “sing psalms and hymns and inspired songs to God; and never say or do anything except in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (v 15-17). A most positive and energising way to live our lives as Christ’s followers!

Lord, help us remember that as long as we love one another You will live in us.