The Lord is compassionate toward all his works. — Psalm 145:9

Mass readings: Colossians 3:1-11 / Luke 6:20-26 

Parish Life 

Part of Paul’s message to the Colossians makes me glad I didn’t belong to their faith community. He tells everyone to put away “anger, fury, malice, slander and obscene language,” then adds, “Stop lying to one another.” Whew — what a parish. Today’s first reading concludes with: “Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all and in all.” 

Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision: Those aren’t the stress points in today’s Church. If Paul were writing to us in the 21st century, he might say, “Here, there is not liberal and conservative, men and women, lay and ordained. Rather, everyone is an expression of God.” We need great grace to see one another in this light. Let’s pray for such eyesight, such healing. 

Prayer: Spirit of God, give me eyes to see You in my spiritual brothers and sisters.