Sometimes it is good to know the “big picture” in order to more deeply appreciate the details. Let me suggest that the “big picture” of St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians is his hopes and prayers for a maturing faith community founded on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul sets the tone in the opening chapter of the letter where the message is: this is how I am thanking God for you (1:3–8), this is how I am praying for you (1:9–23) and this is what I am doing for you (1:24–2:5). All of these things Paul is doing and continues to do so that the believers in Colossae will continue to mature in their Christian faith. We see that clearly expressed in today’s first reading where two verses neatly sum up the message of the entire letter: “So, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him, rooted in him and built upon him and established in the faith as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” (Col 2:6-7) Continue reading →