Mutual Obligations

 

LECTIO:

Colossians 3:18-4:1

New International Version

18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

21 Fathers,[a] do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.

4 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

STUDIUM: 

Paul is a product of his time.  Remember you can't look at the past acurately with today's eyes.  Husbands, in Paul's time had obligations and parents duties.  Masters of slaves had responsibility.  IOW, authority brings challenges.

MEDITATIO:

God put me here and now.  Today the relationships Paul is commenting on are more reciprocal.  Husbands and wives have obligations towards one another.  Children aren't property, neither are slaves.  Today the church teaches us that these relationships are of mutual obligations.

ORATIO:

Lord, help me to love others and You do.  Help me see how I can help and serve.

CONTEMPLATIO:

As the prayer of St. Francis says, "Make me an instrument of Your peace."

RESOLUTIO:

The best way to hear Jesus' words today is through His bishops.  St. Paul was for his times.  I'll keep that in mind when I read the Bible.