RBWords

There is a famous line in Shakespeare's Hamlet:  "There are more things in  heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy."  The point is an ancient one, as the Letter to the Colossians indicates.  Paul is well aware that the Colossians are surrounded by all kinds of religious expression.  The traditional polytheistic Greek tradition existed alongside imports from the eastern Mediterranean.  In that time, as well as today, people would "mix and match" or "hedge their spiritual bets!"  For Christians, only one person merits worship: Christ, according to the plan of God.  Even if angels do exist, they may not be worshiped!

In our own time, devout Christian folks are inclined to take Hamlet at his word and introduce into their faith belief in horoscopes, sceances, tarot cards, ouija boards - all kinds of relics from the ancient "mystery religions."  Sometimes it is not a matter of these latter items but one of turning an otherwise benign devotional object into an idol!  This is an ever present danger in Catholic use of relics or devotional items.  There is also the subtle "culture worship" of "the American way of life" or any other lifestyle as an ideal worthy of devotion.  

"Empty, seductive philosophy according to the tradition of men, according to the elemental powers of the world" is still with us.  The Letter to the Colossians is a good reminder of the need to focus on Christ.  AMEN