Word to the Wise
Tuesday, September 10, 2019 - Tuesday in the 23th Week in Ordinary Time
[Col 2:6-15 and Luke 6:12-19]As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him, rooted in him and built upon him and established in the faith as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one captivate you with an empty, seductive philosophy according to the tradition of men, according to the elemental powers of the world and not according to Christ. [Colossians]
Even the most committed dieter will be tempted by the dessert menu! The Letter to the Colossians shows that the temptation applies to faith as well. The religious scene in St. Paul's time offered something for just about any theological or moral appetite. I dare say that continues to be the case, especially with the development of the internet and social media. Some very esoteric ideas make their way onto the computer and cellphone screens. This can be especially true if those esoteric ideas are espoused by gifted charismatic persons. Years of campus ministry have offered me abundant evidence of students being captivated (or, "seduced") by movements that alarmed their parents and friends. The "older" folks, like me, remember groups like the Branch Davidians and their tragic end, and the group that wound up down in South America that committed mass suicide. More popular things can be found in astrology or other "New Age" offerings.
The "elements" that Paul warns about could also include a return to previous attitudes about the Mosaic Law or thinking that once baptized, a person could do whatever he or she wanted because they were "saved." Paul calls the community of Colossae to focus on Christ and not be led astray. That call extends to us in our day as well. AMEN