Colossians 3:12-17

Holy, Holy, Holy…

Let the peace of Christ control your hearts;
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. – Col 3:15a, 16a

The verses above are used for the Gospel acclamation for the Feast of the Holy Family (usually celebrated the Sunday after Christmas). Oftentimes, the nativity of Jesus and the spirit of Christmas can be accompanied by thoughts of serenity and peace as well as images of idyllic creches and decorations. In such a setting, it can be rather easy to allow the peace of Christ and the word of Christ to flourish within when riding the joy of Christmas or any other anticipated or celebratory day or event. Yet, reality is such that life is a mixed bag and the unexpected, sometimes the dreaded, can come along at any moment, making it more challenging to be open to or inspired by the peace and word of Christ.

Imagine the joy and astonishment of Mary and Joseph at the birth of Jesus and what they initially encountered in the aftermath of his birth as people paid homage. Are there times in your life that come to mind and to which you can relate this experience? Times that have given rise to great joy, overwhelming peace, and/or the feeling of being so amazed.  

Now, here we are, a week later, and in our liturgical celebration, we hear about Simeon and Anna paying homage to Christ and at the same time foretelling what’s to come (Lk 2:2-40).

“and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed’.” (v.34-35)  

And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. (v. 38)

What’s it like to reflect on the fact that even though Jesus is the Christ, the reality is that it’s not going to be all roses and sunshine for Jesus, Mary, and Joseph either? It can be tempting to forget or to overlook reality, and to see the Holy Family as not only holy, but also as untouched. Take some time now to invite the Holy Family into whatever is happening at this time in your life. In what ways can you draw strength and inspiration from Jesus, Mary, and Joseph? What’s it like to consider that your experiences, your life, your family, and that of all those around you, are holy too?

Envision the peace and the word of Christ entering into the conversation and dwelling with, within, and all around you, drawing you, and all, closer to God.

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.  – Col 3:12-17

Receive the Light…

After completing a loop around the central portion of the park, we chose to bear right, stepping off the smoother cement walkways and onto the leaf covered dirt pathways. As we continued moving forward, venturing further along the way, we came across an evergreen tree, nestled between the ones that were bare. Its branches were decorated with a sprinkling of colorful, shiny ornaments. A pleasant surprise, making us glad we had stepped in that direction, going forth another way, different than what we first intended.

OChristmasTree

In a world filled with so many choices, what a blessing that no matter which path one might choose or be led unto, there is often something bright to be discovered, and always, there is the Light of God. It shines in each moment of each day… whether from above through signs of wonder… from within through hopes and dreams, and all that one may envision… or from the words, actions, and examples of others.

However, in the midst of Light, shining since the beginning of time, how dark the world must have seemed, when Mary and Joseph were turned away, struggling to find a place to birth their child. And, how dark the world must have seemed when Joseph and Mary fled Bethlehem with the infant Jesus. How dark the world can seem at times today.

Yet, despite the darkness, nothing can stop the birth of Jesus and the fulfillment of God’s plan for each of us. Nothing can take away the Light one chooses to receive.

The grace of God shines forth with love and honor, opening doors, making space, creating outlets… building up goodness in so many ways.

God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all. – 1 John 1:5

Shine

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.   – Colossians 3:12-17