Word to the Wise
Wednesday, September 1, 2021 - Wednesday in the 22th Week in Ordinary Time
[Col 1:1-8 and Luke 4:38-44]"We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love that you have for all the holy ones because of the hope reserved for you in heaven. Of this you have already heard through the word of truth, the Gospel, that has come to you. [Colossians]
One of the joys of my life is to see former student parishioners, some of whom are grandparents now, persevering in the practice and witness of the faith. Of course, I do hear their concerns that their children and grandchildren are not as fervent, but I encourage them to continue to be faithful because that is the best witness to those children and grandchildren. What they may not realize is that they are encouraging ME as well! I can respond to questions about the faith and celebrate the sacraments for them and share the Word of God for them, but the very fact that I CAN do this is testimony to their influence! It is a reciprocal thing.
The authorship of the Letter to the Colossians is somewhat debated among scripture scholars, but whoever the author may have been, he or she is speaking of the encouragement he or she is experiencing in hearing of the faith of the Colossian Christian community. The Letter goes on in the days ahead to offer a beautiful and broad vision of the meaning of salvation in Christ. But, for the moment, the affection of the writer provides the motivation for what is to come. I feel the same way about the Beloved Congregation. God bless you all!!! AMEN
[Note to the Beloved Congregation. I will be returning to regular scheduling tomorrow after returning from the west coast.]