15 January 2007

We begin the week by continuing with our walk through the Letter to the Colossians.

I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. I became its servant according to God’s commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery that has been hidden throughout the ages and generations but has now been revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. It is he whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil and struggle with all the energy that he powerfully inspires within me. (1:24-29)

The rejoicing comes because he sees evidence that the Collossians have tasted and now know the mystery. They have received a life transforming gift that comes in the package of the living word within the story of how God’s acts through Jesus on behalf of all people. Paul might be suffering under afflictions, but it is all worth it because of what he has seen. It is a powerful boost and encouragement to one’s life when we are witnesses to the outrageous grace of God when it helps to shake up and make up a community of saints. When the Good News grabs us and offers a whole new way of viewing all things, it can seem like an isolated place to be. The wide-open grace of God – available without restraint – is an alien way of life…even when we are completely sold on its truth. This vision of the God’s Reign as known in the life of Jesus is labeled a mystery because it does not fit into the patterns of the way the world seems to work. Rejoicing comes whenever the followers of Jesus know of others who have been wrapped up in the gracious mystery and appear to be living according to its strangeness. Paul has put everything into the sharing of the vision…and he gives thanks to see others picking it up and going along within their lives as though it is a mystery revealed.

Connection: When we see and hear people who have caught a glimpse of the way in which the peaceable Reign of God comes to life, it is worth celebrating – even if it is simply within our own hearts. Then again, connecting with such people is a source of encouragement to everyone.

When you hold us up, O God, you give us an opportunity to stop and see how your love unfolds and your grace becomes the foundation upon which we may take on all things. Continue to reveal this grand mystery that becomes the very fiber of our lives. Amen.