In the first reading from Colossians, St. Paul speaks of the profound gift of reconciliation . "And you, who once were estranged and ho...
In the first reading from Colossians, St. Paul speaks of the profound gift of reconciliation. "And you, who once were estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death." We were once separated from God by our sins, but through Christ's sacrifice, we have been brought back into a loving relationship with him. This is the central message of the Gospel. Reconciliation is not something we earn; it is a gift freely given. To be a faithful follower of the Lord means to accept this gift and to live a life that reflects our gratitude for this incredible grace.
The Gospel reading presents a challenge to the traditional notion of righteousness. Jesus' disciples are picking grain on the Sabbath, an act the Pharisees considered unlawful. Jesus responds by reminding them that "The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath." He shows them that true righteousness is not found in rigid adherence to rules, but in love and compassion. He challenges us to look beyond the letter of the law and to focus on its spirit. Our pursuit of righteousness should be centered on a relationship with Christ, which guides our actions and allows us to prioritize love over legalism.
Finally, the readings speak of a great renewal that is possible through Christ. In the first reading, St. Paul says that through Christ, we are presented "holy and blameless and irreproachable before him." This is a promise of spiritual renewal, a new beginning where our past sins are forgiven and we are made new in Christ. This renewal is a continuous process that requires us to "continue in the faith, stable and steadfast." It is a call to live with purpose and hope, knowing that in Christ, we have a new life, a new identity, and a new mission to share his love with the world.
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