Colossians 3:1-11; Psalm 145; Luke 6: 20-26
One reason this letter is thought not to be Paul’ s is the dualism inherent in today’ s opening lines. Paul is thoroughly Jewish, and Jews did not split body and soul, did not shun the things of earth. Another reason: “You have clothed yourselves with the new self…” Paul once tried to “do it himself”, and was converted to Jesus, not personal spiritual achievements, as the way of salvation. What does sound like Paul is today’ s conclusion: “Christ is all and in all”---Greeks, Jews, circumcised and uncircumcised, every nationality, slave, free – all together in the new kin-dom, one in Christ (Cf Galatians 3:28). Jesus could sound dualistic today but he speaks as a true Jewish prophet, castigating the rich and powerful, encouraging the poor and hungry.
What is your way of salvation? Do you get nervous about your possessions, your full table, your laughter? There is one savior. Throw yourself on his mercy often today.
He has come that we might have life, life in abundance—but there is hope too for those who hunger, mourn and are persecuted.
Give us the gift of discernment, Holy Spirit, that we may know true riches and fullness and joy. Give us generosity that we may give freely as God has given to us.