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Saturday, December 28, 2019

The Password is Peace

Lectio:
COL 3:12-21

Brothers and sisters:
Put on, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved,
heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,
bearing with one another and forgiving one another,
if one has a grievance against another;
as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.
And over all these put on love,
that is, the bond of perfection.
And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,
the peace into which you were also called in one body.
And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,
as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another,
singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs
with gratitude in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, in word or in deed,
do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.  

Wives, be subordinate to your husbands,
as is proper in the Lord.
Husbands, love your wives,
and avoid any bitterness toward them.
Children, obey your parents in everything,
for this is pleasing to the Lord.
Fathers, do not provoke your children,
so they may not become discouraged.
Studium:
Paul probably never visited, nor started, the church in Colossae. A native Colossian, Epaphras,  brought the Gospel to Colossae.  Somewhere, maybe Rome, Epaphras met Paul. There were many Jews in Colossae but the Colossian Church was mostly uncircumcised Gentiles.
Paul writes this letter to remind the church of their heritage.  Paul reiterates their friendship with God and accordingly, with each other.  The harmonious relationships within the family are stressed.  The pagan family held the father up as a tyrant.  The Christian family is different; it is tied together in peace and love.
Meditatio:

May my prayers be as thankful and full of peaceful love as Paul's. 
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,
as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another,
singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs
with gratitude in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, in word or in deed,
do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.  

Oratio:

Lord, I pray that the world will be in true reconciliation with You. This is Your Will.

Contemplatio:

Shalom, Lord.  Shalom.

Resolutio:

Take a deep breath and think peace before I talk.

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