| Friday, September 7, 2001 | ||
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And from The Word Among Us ...
He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:17)
How can Paul's words about Jesus do anything but inspire us with awe and wonder? Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, is the firstborn of all creation. Everything in heaven and on earth was made for him. He alone is the perfect image of the invisible God, and nothing in the whole of creation can compare with him.
Paul didn't write these things about Jesus to portray him as a distant, unapproachable deity who has no interest in us mere mortals. No, Paul spoke of Jesus’ grandeur in order to give us a sense of security concerning the life we have inherited in him. If Jesus is truly the one in whom God’s fullness is pleased to dwell, then without a doubt he is able to give us "the inheritance of the saints in light" (Colossians 1:12). The more we come to know Jesus as the holy and powerful Son of God, the more confident and peaceful we will become in every situation we face.
What do you see when you envision Jesus? Do you imagine the eternal Son of God, filled with all power and authority, making a way through death into life for you? Do you see the one through whom all things were created offering himself to the Father because of his covenant with you? Everything holds together in Jesus. He is ever faithful to his promises, and he will not abandon you in your hour of need.
Perhaps a loved one is seriously ill or has died. Run to Jesus, knowing that he holds you and your loved one in the palm of his hand. He who is the first-born from the dead will give you the strength and peace you need. Perhaps you face a difficult relationship with a relative or coworker. Allow Jesus, through whom God has reconciled all things to himself, to guide you in repentance and reconciliation. If you feel alone or distant from God, reach out to Jesus. Remember that God has given you peace through the blood of his cross. He will answer you!
"Glory to you, Son of God, Lord Jesus Christ! I worship you for your immense power and glory, but I also rejoice in your intimate love. What more is there for me to do but to kneel at your feet in adoration?"
Have a great day and an even better weekend! (I'll try and remember to keep posting the readings through the weekend).
"If any one comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.
The priest explained that in this context the word “hate” means to love less. So therefore, God is to be loved above everyone else. I hope all priests giving homilies offer an explanation here. Anyone taking a literal interpretation here could get confused.