Doc.435

Scripture: Lectionary 435: Colossians 1:15-20. Psalm 100:1.2.3.4.5. Luke 5:33-39

Jesus Christ is always at the heart of the Pauline Epistles. Within these revealed writings we have several hymns that center on the very being of Christ telling us in symbolic language who he really is . This is called Christology and it pervades the whole of the New Testament just as the covenant does in the Old Testament. Today we have the Christ Hymn of Colossians that is one of the greatest in depth of meaning. Like all of them, the Incarnation is the focus of the hymn and our perspective is always enhanced by keeping in mind the most perfect expression of the Incarnation that is voiced in the Prologue of John: “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we have seen his glory: the glory of an only Son coming from the Father, filled with enduring love.” (John 1:14).

The Christ Hymn in Colossians 1:15-20 places before us the praise given to Christ whose supremacy is above all creation on earth and in the heavens. All was created through him and for him and in him Jesus Christ is before and above all as the image of the invisible God. He is the firstborn of all creation and the firstborn from the dead through his glorious resurrection.

The hymn is profound and resembles the depth of the Incarnation text cited from John 1:14. It ends with the paradox of Jesus’ death on the Cross which is our redemption through his precious blood. There on the Cross he pours out his earthly existence in order to make of us a new creation through his triumph over death through his resurrection. We are united to him as the head of the Church and we are the Body of Christ.

This hymn summons us to ignite our faith and to adore and worship the Son of God who is the Lord of all creation. This hymn goes beyond our human wisdom and gives us hope to be one with Jesus Christ who is the Head while we are the Body of Christ as the People of God, the Church. We pray reverently :”We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee, because by Thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.” Amen.

The following text created by Fr. Harry Hagan, O.S.B. serves as our prayer while meditating on the hymn of Colossians:

Most splendid and resplendent light, O brilliance overwhelming night, You bring to light all things concealed. In you is all the world revealed.

TrueLight and Bearer of the Light, True Galaxy beyond our sight, O Morning Star announcing day Revealing all in just one ray.

More glorious than the sun’s bright light, And more mysterious than the night, You shine within the inmost heart, Revealing all its secret parts. May our desire with love unite, Our love reveal your purest light. Make us glad temples of your praise , Our lives a mirror of your ways.

O Christ, the uncreated Light, To You be glory, praise and might The Father’s sole begotten Son, the Spirit’s Word: God, Three in One.