Thoughts for the Day

I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake ... for the sake of his body, that is, the church. I became its servant according to God’s commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery that has been hidden throughout the ages and generations but has now been revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. It is he whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil and struggle with all the energy that he powerfully inspires within me.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Many years ago I had a little book published by Mowbrays titled 'Calling you'. It was a Confirmation book aimed at teenagers, and instead of theological arguments about the existence of God it explored practical ways of looking for the evidence of God. There were lots of suggestions for things to do and explore in the group, and I know it sold well for a few years. But I was most surprised when I had a letter from a priest to say they had had great success using it with a group of Downs Syndrome adults in their Deanery. My mind had been so blinkered thinking only of children, that I had never thought of such a use before!

Paul in his letter to the Colossians reminded me of this book. The task he has been given by God is to break the blinkered view that Jesus came to earth to rescue only the Jews. Those who first believed that Jesus was the Messiah were certainly Jews, but even while he was on the earth Gentiles were turning to him. Just think of the story of the healing of the Centurion's servant (Matthew 8.5-13) and others. Without the work of Paul, Peter, and Philip in the early days this would have become a new kind of Judaism. Even the Gnostics would have argued against sending the message to everyone since they believed it was only intellectuals who could understand such a faith.

But Paul knows not all people are theologians, as not all can be singers or artists or carpenters. But all can be offered the good news of Jesus Christ whose message of love is open to all, and for whom Paul was willing to suffer.

Lord Jesus Christ,
we thank You for those early disciples
who took Your message of love to the Gentiles,
and so forwarded it around the world.
May we never forget that the Gospel
is for all people no matter their age or ethnicity,
and that You call us to continue to spread it,
as we are able.
Amen.