23rd Week in OT 2019 - Wednesday - September 11 and the Promise of Peace

Yesterday, I mentioned how the short letter to the Colossians is divided into two parts: the doctrinal and the practical. Well today’s reading begins Paul’s practical advice to the Christians of Colossae; and what practical advice does he give?

“Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and the greed that is idolatry…by these you once conducted yourself…but now you must put them all away…so put away anger fury, malice, slander, and obscene language out of your mouths.”

He doesn't begin with how they are to structure their community. He doesn't say what sort of charitable programs they are to offer. He begins with conversion. Putting sinful actions to death is a key to life. 

Though Christians have been raised up “in company with Christ” we know all too well how easy it is to fall back into the tendencies of the old nature, what Paul calls the “practices of the old self.” So, those sinful attitudes and tendencies have to be put to death over and over and over, lest they dominate our lives and reclaim our souls, and tear their community apart.

18 years ago, on September 11, 2001, the world evidenced what happens when those worldly powers have their way. Left to their own devices the world and the worldly are bent on self-destruction. Two smoldering heaps of ash and rubble is a perfect example of where immorality, fury, and malice leads.

Rather, Our Lord gives us the recipe for beatitude in the Gospels, to true fulfillment in union with God, the way to true, lasting and eternal peace. Jesus addresses in the beatitudes those who are poor, those who are weeping, those who are hungry, those who are insulted and excluded, and he promises that something better is possible through Him.

Through His help, through His Grace, and the grace of the Sacraments, may we seek what is above always, that beatitude the Lord desires for us, that he suffered and died to obtain for us, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That through Our Lady, Queen of Peace, terrorism and war, may be brought to an end.

That our civil representatives may use their authority to lead and build our nation in godly ways.

For all those who harden their hearts toward God, for those who have left the Church, for all those in serious sin, for their conversion and the conversion of all hearts.

For the sick and afflicted, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, for victims of natural disaster and inclement weather, those who suffer from war, violence, and terrorism, for the mentally ill, those with addictions, the imprisoned,  for the comfort of the dying and the consolation of their families.

For the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish and all the poor souls in purgatory, for deceased priests and religious, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom. We pray.

Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord.