Aug.31

Scripture: Lectionary 433: Colossians 1:1-8. Psalm 52:10.11. Luke 4: 38-44: We begin a new epistle attributed to St. Paul called the Epistle to the Colossians. Paul according to the exegetical experts did not write this Epistle. It however is in the spirit and school of St. Paul probably written after Paul's martyrdom. Like most of the epistles the first chapter is important for giving us the prayer addressed to the community. These first chapters are easy to listen to and are excellent for prayer. They often contain the chief concern of the writer as well. Here the concern is behavior in a culture that insists on slavery hierarchy, and rituals that deal with super powers, angels, and traditions that are more Jewish than Christian. We see that some of the titles given to Jesus are Pauline, for example, the

Lord Jesus Christ. We also see the polemic against false teachers who are leaning toward mediators between God and ourselves thus neglecting the one Mediator between God and humans, Jesus Christ. The author wants the Christians of Colossae to leave aside traditions that were more Jewish and above all to avoid the new age cosmic powers that are obstacles for the Christian believers. In the Lucan pericope we see Jesus as a healer who first takes care of removing a fever from Peter's mother-in-law. She then serves Jesus and his friends. Others come for healing and for his consoling words. Jesus himself gives us the purpose of his ministry: "To other towns I must announce the Good News of the reign of God, because that is why I was sent." The freshness of the Galilean hills enhances the balm of Jesus' healing ministry. The preaching and teaching of Jesus continues as well so that the kingdom of God may be experienced as happening now..People are given new hope because our Savior Jesus is making himself known by healing people. He also is revealing the divine plan of God to those who are open to his preaching and teaching. Amen.