As Ordinary Time comes to a close this year, we celebrate again the fullness of God’s glory made visible through his son, Jesus, the Christ.
These few lines in Colossians offer us an expansive glimpse into God’s heart for us and all of creation. As you humble yourself before the text this week, you might listen freshly for Christ’s invitation to you to share in his life together.
Words may be inadequate to describe this life of love and grace that dwells in you. Sometimes just allowing an image or metaphor to form describes it better. You might linger there with whatever graces are given and the song that arises in your own heart.
“All praises be to the King of kings
And the Lord, our God,
He is Wonderful”
Colossians 1:11-20 (NLT)
We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.
Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world.
Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything. For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.
For Reflection and Prayer:
As you listened, did you notice a word, a phrase, or an image that seemed to shimmer for you? Hold this gently in your heart, allowing it to settle deeply.
If the passage elicited any particular feeling/s, hold this lightly and perhaps notice where you feel this in your body.
If you feel a prayer rising forth from your experience with our Lord, consider writing it down, and then simply rest quietly with Him.
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