Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: September 13, 2023

Date in the Ordine: Memorial of St. John Chrysostom

Scripture Text: Colossians3:1-11

Brothers and sisters: If you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory. Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and the greed that is idolatry. Because of these the wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient. By these you too once conducted yourselves, when you lived in that way. But now you must put them all away: anger, fury, malice, slander, and obscene language out of your mouths. Stop lying to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed, for knowledge, in the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all and in all.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading for today is taken from Paul’s Letter to the Colossians reminding us to “seek what is above.” Though we are living and journeying to Christ while living here on earth, we are not to lose sight of our hope, of being with Christ in His glory. If we are to realize our hope, we must put aside our “lowly” behavior and “put on the new self, which is being renewed, for knowledge, in the image of its creator.” We are called to live here as the daughters and sons we are created to be.

How does this pertain to us today?

The exhortation of Paul remains valid for us today because the earthly temptations are numerous and strong to set aside our calling in Christ. Daily we must be willing to “seek what is above” and to live not as the world calls us to live but as Christ calls us to live.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

On any given day, am I seeking to live into my calling or seeking to fit in here on earth? Do I reflect on my need for change, my need to turn away from unhealthy habit and behaviors?

Praying:

LORD, we long for life in You, with You, and through You. Help us in our earthly journey to hold always your desires for us first and foremost in our minds and hearts. Grant that we might daily grow stronger in our pursuit of wholeness and holiness. Help us to set aside those behaviors that lead us away from You rather than to You, those behaviors that are hurtful to others and unbecoming of your disciples. Amen.