Colossians 1:1-8
#433 Weekday Year I Context (Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time)
Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
and Timothy our brother,
to the holy ones and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ in Colossae:
grace to you and peace from God our Father.
We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
when we pray for you,
for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus
and the love that you have for all the holy ones
because of the hope reserved for you in heaven.
Of this you have already heard
through the word of truth, the Gospel, that has come to you.
Just as in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing,
so also among you,
from the day you heard it and came to know the grace of God in truth,
as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow slave,
who is a trustworthy minister of Christ on your behalf
and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.
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Commentary on Col 1:1-8
This selection begins St. Paul’s letter to the church at Colossae; it is a church the apostle did not found and apparently had never visited. In these verses he begins by commending them on their faith in Christ Jesus, and congratulates them on living the Gospel values. He assures them that knowledge and faith in Christ is growing in the world, and they are among those faithful having genuine teaching about the Lord. Later in this letter he clarifies some articles of faith that are causing anxiety.
CCC: Col 1:3-6 2632; Col 1:3 2636
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Colossians 1:9-14
#434 Weekday Year I Context (Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time)
Brothers and sisters:
From the day we heard about you, we do not cease praying for you
and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will
through all spiritual wisdom and understanding
to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord,
so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit
and growing in the knowledge of God,
strengthened with every power, in accord with his glorious might,
for all endurance and patience,
with joy giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share
in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.
He delivered us from the power of darkness
and transferred us to the Kingdom of his beloved Son,
in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Col 1:9-14
St. Paul continues his introductory remarks to the Colossians. In these verses he shares his prayer for them and acknowledges their shared adoption in Christ which has a reference to their baptism (e.g. “delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the Kingdom of his beloved Son”).
The prayer serves as an encouragement toward increased holiness. “Just as at the racecourse the shouts to encourage the riders increase the nearer they get to the finish, so the Apostle vigorously encourages those faithful who are closest to perfection.” (St. John Chrysostom, Hom. On Col, 2, ad loc.) [4] He likewise encourages the community at Colossae to depend upon the Holy Spirit to guide them and strengthen them as they continue to develop a litany of spiritual gifts (wisdom and understanding). For all of this will lead to the ultimate reward – redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
CCC: Col 1:10 2520; Col 1:12-14 1250; Col 1:13-14 517; Col 1:14 2839
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Colossians 1:12-20
#162C Solemnities C Context (The Solemnity of Christ the King C)
#433 Weekday Year I Context (Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time)
Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
and Timothy our brother,
to the holy ones and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ in Colossae:
grace to you and peace from God our Father.
We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
when we pray for you,
for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus
and the love that you have for all the holy ones
because of the hope reserved for you in heaven.
Of this you have already heard
through the word of truth, the Gospel, that has come to you.
Just as in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing,
so also among you,
from the day you heard it and came to know the grace of God in truth,
as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow slave,
who is a trustworthy minister of Christ on your behalf
and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Col 1:1-8
This selection begins St. Paul’s letter to the church at Colossae; it is a church the apostle did not found and apparently had never visited. In these verses he begins by commending them on their faith in Christ Jesus, and congratulates them on living the Gospel values. He assures them that knowledge and faith in Christ is growing in the world, and they are among those faithful having genuine teaching about the Lord. Later in this letter he clarifies some articles of faith that are causing anxiety.
CCC: Col 1:3-6 2632; Col 1:3 2636
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Colossians 1:9-14
#434 Weekday Year I Context (Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time)
Brothers and sisters:
From the day we heard about you, we do not cease praying for you
and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will
through all spiritual wisdom and understanding
to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord,
so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit
and growing in the knowledge of God,
strengthened with every power, in accord with his glorious might,
for all endurance and patience,
with joy giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share
in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.
He delivered us from the power of darkness
and transferred us to the Kingdom of his beloved Son,
in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Col 1:9-14
St. Paul continues his introductory remarks to the Colossians. In these verses he shares his prayer for them and acknowledges their shared adoption in Christ which has a reference to their baptism (e.g. “delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the Kingdom of his beloved Son”).
The prayer serves as an encouragement toward increased holiness. “Just as at the racecourse the shouts to encourage the riders increase the nearer they get to the finish, so the Apostle vigorously encourages those faithful who are closest to perfection.” (St. John Chrysostom, Hom. On Col, 2, ad loc.) [4] He likewise encourages the community at Colossae to depend upon the Holy Spirit to guide them and strengthen them as they continue to develop a litany of spiritual gifts (wisdom and understanding). For all of this will lead to the ultimate reward – redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
CCC: Col 1:10 2520; Col 1:12-14 1250; Col 1:13-14 517; Col 1:14 2839
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Colossians 1:12-20
#162C Solemnities C Context (The Solemnity of Christ the King C)
#947E Masses for Various Occasions Context (III. In Various Public Circumstances, 26A. In Thanksgiving to God for the Gift of Human Life. #)
Brothers and sisters:
Let us give thanks to the Father,
who has made you fit to share
in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.
He delivered us from the power of darkness
and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
He is the image of the invisible God,
the firstborn of all creation.
For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth,
the visible and the invisible,
whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers;
all things were created through him and for him.
He is before all things,
and in him all things hold together.
He is the head of the body, the church.
He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead,
that in all things he himself might be preeminent.
For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell,
and through him to reconcile all things for him,
making peace by the blood of his cross
through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Col 1:12-20
CCC: Col 1:12-14 1250;
Col 1:13-14 517;
Col 1:14 2839; Col
1:15-20 2641;
Col 1:15 241,
299, 381, 1701; Col 1:16-17 291;
Col 1:16 331;
Col 1:18-20 624;
Col 1:18 504,
658, 753, 343, 792; Col 1:20-22 2305
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Colossians 1:15-20
#105C Solemnities C Context (15th Sunday in Ordinary Time C)
#435 Weekday Year I Context (Friday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time)
Brothers and sisters:
Christ Jesus is the image of the invisible God,
the firstborn of all creation.
For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth,
the visible and the invisible,
whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers;
all things were created through him and for him.
He is before all things,
and in him all things hold together.
He is the head of the Body, the Church.
He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead,
that in all things he himself might be preeminent.
For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell,
and through him to reconcile all things for him,
making peace by the Blood of his cross
through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Col 1:15-20
St. Paul, in this selection, now begins to address some confusion in teachings that have been addressed to the Colossians, specifically about angels and their place in the hierarchy. The evangelist reaffirms Christ’s primacy, and his relationship as God’s only Son with authority over all things (note: “visible and invisible”). We see in this statement a clear vision of the Lord’s authority over us, over our souls, and his rule both in heaven and on earth.
“As the poetic arrangement indicates, these lines are probably an early Christian hymn, known to the Colossians and taken up into the letter from liturgical use (cf. Philippians 2:6-11; 1 Timothy 3:16). They present Christ as the mediator of creation (Colossians 1:15-18a) and of redemption (Colossians 1:18b-20). There is a parallelism between firstborn of all creation (Colossians 1:15) and firstborn from the dead (Colossians 1:18).” [2]
CCC: Col 1:15-20 2641; Col 1:15 241, 299, 381, 1701; Col 1:16-17 291; Col 1:16 331; Col 1:18-20 624; Col 1:18 504, 658, 753, 343, 792; Col 1:20-22 2305
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Colossians 1:21-23
#436 Weekday Year I Context (Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time)
Brothers and sisters:
You once were alienated and hostile in mind because of evil deeds;
God has now reconciled you
in the fleshly Body of Christ through his death,
to present you holy, without blemish,
and irreproachable before him,
provided that you persevere in the faith,
firmly grounded, stable,
and not shifting from the hope of the Gospel that you heard,
which has been preached to every creature under heaven,
of which I, Paul, am a minister.
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Commentary on Col 1:21-23
Setting the scene for this selection, St. Paul has just concluded his quotation of an early Christian hymn, probably known to the Colossian church. In this passage, he applies the promise of salvation contained in it to the members of the faith community. The apostle reminds them that they are reconciled in Christ, and encourages them to be faithful to the Gospel they have been given; the one true Gospel of which St. Paul is a minister.
CCC: Col 1:20-22 2305
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Colossians 1:21-24
#11L BVM Context (The Blessed Virgin Mary at the Foot of the Cross I, Lent 11)
Brothers and sisters:
You once were alienated and hostile in mind because of evil deeds;
God has now reconciled you
in the fleshly Body of Christ through his death,
to present you holy, without blemish,
and irreproachable before him,
provided that you persevere in the faith,
firmly grounded, stable,
and not shifting from the hope of the Gospel that you heard,
which has been preached to every creature under heaven,
of which I, Paul, am a minister.
I, Paul, rejoice in my sufferings for your sake,
and in my flesh I am filling up
what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ
on behalf of his body, which is the church.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Col 1:21-24
St. Paul has just concluded his quotation of an early Christian hymn probably known to the Colossian church. In this selection he applies the promise of salvation contained in it to them. The Apostle reminds them that they are reconciled in Christ and encourages them to be faithful to the Gospel they have been given; the one true Gospel of which St. Paul is a minister. He concludes offering his own sufferings as redemptive for the whole church.
CCC: Col 1:20-22 2305
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Colossians 1:22-29
#792 Ritual Mass Context (V. For the Pastoral Care of the Sick and Dying, 1. Anointing of the Sick, 11)
Brothers and sisters:
Christ Jesus has now reconciled you
in his fleshly Body through his death,
to present you holy, without blemish,
and irreproachable before him,
provided that you persevere in the faith,
firmly grounded, stable,
and not shifting from the hope of the Gospel that you heard,
which has been preached to every creature under heaven,
of which I, Paul, am a minister.
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake,
and in my flesh I am filling up
what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ
on behalf of his Body, which is the Church,
of which I am a minister
in accordance with God's stewardship given to me
to bring to completion for you the word of God,
the mystery hidden from ages and from generations past.
But now it has been manifested to his holy ones,
to whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory
of this mystery among the Gentiles;
it is Christ in you, the hope for glory.
It is he whom we proclaim,
admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom,
that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
For this I labor and struggle,
in accord with the exercise of his power working within me.
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Commentary on Col 1:22-29
The Apostle speaks to the great sacrifice of Christ who offered his body for the salvation of all. Through his sufferings he joins all Christians in solidarity with himself and the Father. In the suffering we share on earth, we join Jesus and participate with him in his great offering of sacrifice.
“As the community at Colossae was not personally known to Paul (see Introduction), he here invests his teaching with greater authority by presenting a brief sketch of his apostolic ministry and sufferings as they reflect those of Christ on behalf of the church (24). The preaching of God's word (Col 1:25) carries out the divine plan (the mystery, Col 1:26) to make Christ known to the Gentiles (Col 1:27). It teaches the God-given wisdom about Christ (Col 1:28), whose power works mightily in the apostle (Col 1:29).”[1]
The theme of unifying the “Body of Christ” in the face of great resistance or persecution (“I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his Body, which is the Church, of which I am a minister in accordance with God's stewardship given to me to bring to completion for you the word of God”), serves to bring Jew and gentile together as one community. The ultimate goal of St. Paul’s ministry is to bring everyone to Christ.
CCC: Col 1:20-22 2305; Col 1:24 307, 618, 1508; Col 1:27 568, 772
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Colossians 1:24–2:3
#437 Weekday Year I Context (Monday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time)
Brothers and sisters:
I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake,
and in my flesh I am filling up
what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ
on behalf of his Body, which is the Church,
of which I am a minister
in accordance with God’s stewardship given to me
to bring to completion for you the word of God,
the mystery hidden from ages and from generations past.
But now it has been manifested to his holy ones,
to whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory
of this mystery among the Gentiles;
it is Christ in you, the hope for glory.
It is he whom we proclaim,
admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom,
that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
For this I labor and struggle,
in accord with the exercise of his power working within me.
For I want you to know how great a struggle I am having for you
and for those in Laodicea
and all who have not seen me face to face,
that their hearts may be encouraged
as they are brought together in love,
to have all the richness of assured understanding,
for the knowledge of the mystery of God, Christ,
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
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Commentary on Col 1:24–2:3
This selection begins with St. Paul telling the Colossians that the revelation of God’s plan is brought to completion in Christ, and he (Paul), in his suffering for the sake of that Gospel, is passing on that revelation to them. Going forward in his example, he hopes to encourage those whom he has not met to continue to live in the love of Christ and one another. There is a consistent understanding expressed by the apostle that all Christians are called to faith, even in the face of suffering. While through Christ’s suffering salvation was achieved, through the suffering of the faithful, conformity with Christ is brought nearer.
CCC: Col 1:24 307, 618, 1508; Col 1:27 568, 772
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Colossians 1:24-29
#554 Proper of Saints Context (St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Apr 24
#722 Commons Context (Common of Pastors)
#844 Mass for Various Needs Context (I. For the Holy Church, 5. For Priests, 5.)
#848 Mass for Various Needs Context (I. For the Holy Church, 6. For Minsters of the Church, 4.)
Brothers and sisters:
I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake,
and in my flesh I am filling up
what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ
on behalf of his Body, which is the Church,
of which I am a minister
in accordance with God's stewardship given to me
to bring to completion for you the word of God,
the mystery hidden from ages and from generations past.
But now it has been manifested to his holy ones,
to whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory
of this mystery among the Gentiles;
it is Christ in you, the hope for glory.
It is him whom we proclaim,
admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom,
that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
For this I labor and struggle,
in accord with the exercise of his power working within me.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Col 1:24-29
This selection begins with St. Paul telling the Colossians that in Christ the revelation of God’s plan is brought to completion and he, in his suffering for the sake of that Gospel, is passing on that revelation to them. The Apostle speaks to the great sacrifice of Christ who offered his body for the salvation of all. Through his sufferings he joins all Christians in solidarity with himself and the Father. In the suffering we share on earth, we join with Jesus, and participate with him in his great offering of sacrifice.
“As the community at Colossae was not personally known to Paul (see Introduction), he here invests his teaching with greater authority by presenting a brief sketch of his apostolic ministry and sufferings as they reflect those of Christ on behalf of the church (24). The preaching of God's word (Col 1:25) carries out the divine plan (the mystery, Col 1:26) to make Christ known to the Gentiles (Col 1:27). It teaches the God-given wisdom about Christ (Col 1:28), whose power works mightily in the apostle (Col 1:29).”[1]
The theme of unifying the “Body of Christ” in the face of great resistance or persecution (“I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his Body, which is the Church, of which I am a minister in accordance with God's stewardship given to me to bring to completion for you the word of God”) serves to bring Jew and gentile together as one community. The ultimate goal of St. Paul’s ministry is to bring everyone to Christ.
CCC: Col 1:24 307, 618, 1508; Col 1:27 568, 772
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Colossians 1:24-28
#108C Solemnities C Context (16th Week in Ordinary Time C)
Brothers and sisters:
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake,
and in my flesh I am filling up
what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ
on behalf of his body, which is the church,
of which I am a minister
in accordance with God’s stewardship given to me
to bring to completion for you the word of God,
the mystery hidden from ages and from generations past.
But now it has been manifested to his holy ones,
to whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory
of this mystery among the Gentiles;
it is Christ in you, the hope for glory.
It is he whom we proclaim,
admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom,
that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Col 1:24-28
“As the community at Colossae was not personally known to Paul, he here invests his teaching with greater authority by presenting a brief sketch of his apostolic ministry and sufferings as they reflect those of Christ on behalf of the Church.”[3]
The suffering, referred to by St. Paul (from the Jerusalem translation): “It makes me happy to suffer for you, as I am suffering now, and in my own body to do what I can to make up all that has still to be undergone by Christ for the sake of his body, the Church,” relates to the divisive impact the Gospel has when it is proclaimed. Some will accept it, others will not, completing Christ’s suffering in the rejection of the Gospel.
CCC: Col 1:24 307, 618, 1508; Col 1:27 568, 772
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Colossians 2:6-15
#438 Weekday Year I Context (Tuesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time)
Brothers and sisters:
As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him,
rooted in him and built upon him
and established in the faith as you were taught,
abounding in thanksgiving.
See to it that no one captivate you with an empty, seductive philosophy
according to the tradition of men,
according to the elemental powers of the world
and not according to Christ.
For in him dwells the whole fullness of the deity bodily,
and you share in this fullness in him,
who is the head of every principality and power.
In him you were also circumcised
with a circumcision not administered by hand,
by stripping off the carnal body, with the circumcision of Christ.
You were buried with him in baptism,
in which you were also raised with him
through faith in the power of God,
who raised him from the dead.
And even when you were dead in transgressions
and the uncircumcision of your flesh,
he brought you to life along with him,
having forgiven us all our transgressions;
obliterating the bond against us, with its legal claims,
which was opposed to us,
he also removed it from our midst, nailing it to the cross;
despoiling the principalities and the powers,
he made a public spectacle of them,
leading them away in triumph by it.
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Commentary on Col 2:6-15
St. Paul begins this selection with a warning to the Colossians to be careful not to fall into traps laid by secular teaching. He reminds them that Jesus Christ is God (who took on flesh as true man and was crucified for our salvation), and that all power resides in him. He concludes this passage with the classic witness of the triumph of the cross over sin and death.
Brothers and sisters:
Let us give thanks to the Father,
who has made you fit to share
in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.
He delivered us from the power of darkness
and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
He is the image of the invisible God,
the firstborn of all creation.
For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth,
the visible and the invisible,
whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers;
all things were created through him and for him.
He is before all things,
and in him all things hold together.
He is the head of the body, the church.
He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead,
that in all things he himself might be preeminent.
For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell,
and through him to reconcile all things for him,
making peace by the blood of his cross
through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.
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Commentary on Col 1:12-20
In the first part of this selection St. Paul reminds the
Colossians that it is in Christ that we have redemption through the forgiveness
of sins. We are given a place in the light, through him who is light itself,
and delivered from power of darkness. “The struggle between light and the power
of darkness is referred to in many passages of Sacred Scripture (cf. Jn 1:5, 9-11). Darkness means
both evil and the power of the Evil One. Before the redemption took place, all
men -- as a consequence of original sin and their personal sins -- were slaves
to sin; this slavery darkened their minds and made it difficult for them to know
God, who is the true light.” [6]
The second part of the reading is a hymn fragment, probably familiar to the members of that faith community, that reminds them of the Lord’s preeminence (i.e., first-born of all creation, first-born from the dead, all things are reconciled in him). As his eternal status is reiterated, his kingship over all creation is recalled. “He is the head: Points to the union of the Church with Christ, who as head directs and oversees the activities of his members. Paul’s analogy can likewise stress that the head and body share the same life (Rom 12:5) and that each member of the body is assigned a particular task for the good of the whole (1 Cor 12 12-26) (CCC 753, 792). [7]
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Colossians 1:15-20
#105C Solemnities C Context (15th Sunday in Ordinary Time C)
#435 Weekday Year I Context (Friday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time)
Brothers and sisters:
Christ Jesus is the image of the invisible God,
the firstborn of all creation.
For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth,
the visible and the invisible,
whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers;
all things were created through him and for him.
He is before all things,
and in him all things hold together.
He is the head of the Body, the Church.
He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead,
that in all things he himself might be preeminent.
For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell,
and through him to reconcile all things for him,
making peace by the Blood of his cross
through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Col 1:15-20
St. Paul, in this selection, now begins to address some confusion in teachings that have been addressed to the Colossians, specifically about angels and their place in the hierarchy. The evangelist reaffirms Christ’s primacy, and his relationship as God’s only Son with authority over all things (note: “visible and invisible”). We see in this statement a clear vision of the Lord’s authority over us, over our souls, and his rule both in heaven and on earth.
“As the poetic arrangement indicates, these lines are probably an early Christian hymn, known to the Colossians and taken up into the letter from liturgical use (cf. Philippians 2:6-11; 1 Timothy 3:16). They present Christ as the mediator of creation (Colossians 1:15-18a) and of redemption (Colossians 1:18b-20). There is a parallelism between firstborn of all creation (Colossians 1:15) and firstborn from the dead (Colossians 1:18).” [2]
CCC: Col 1:15-20 2641; Col 1:15 241, 299, 381, 1701; Col 1:16-17 291; Col 1:16 331; Col 1:18-20 624; Col 1:18 504, 658, 753, 343, 792; Col 1:20-22 2305
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Colossians 1:21-23
#436 Weekday Year I Context (Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time)
Brothers and sisters:
You once were alienated and hostile in mind because of evil deeds;
God has now reconciled you
in the fleshly Body of Christ through his death,
to present you holy, without blemish,
and irreproachable before him,
provided that you persevere in the faith,
firmly grounded, stable,
and not shifting from the hope of the Gospel that you heard,
which has been preached to every creature under heaven,
of which I, Paul, am a minister.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Col 1:21-23
Setting the scene for this selection, St. Paul has just concluded his quotation of an early Christian hymn, probably known to the Colossian church. In this passage, he applies the promise of salvation contained in it to the members of the faith community. The apostle reminds them that they are reconciled in Christ, and encourages them to be faithful to the Gospel they have been given; the one true Gospel of which St. Paul is a minister.
CCC: Col 1:20-22 2305
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Colossians 1:21-24
#11L BVM Context (The Blessed Virgin Mary at the Foot of the Cross I, Lent 11)
Brothers and sisters:
You once were alienated and hostile in mind because of evil deeds;
God has now reconciled you
in the fleshly Body of Christ through his death,
to present you holy, without blemish,
and irreproachable before him,
provided that you persevere in the faith,
firmly grounded, stable,
and not shifting from the hope of the Gospel that you heard,
which has been preached to every creature under heaven,
of which I, Paul, am a minister.
I, Paul, rejoice in my sufferings for your sake,
and in my flesh I am filling up
what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ
on behalf of his body, which is the church.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Col 1:21-24
St. Paul has just concluded his quotation of an early Christian hymn probably known to the Colossian church. In this selection he applies the promise of salvation contained in it to them. The Apostle reminds them that they are reconciled in Christ and encourages them to be faithful to the Gospel they have been given; the one true Gospel of which St. Paul is a minister. He concludes offering his own sufferings as redemptive for the whole church.
CCC: Col 1:20-22 2305
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Colossians 1:22-29
#792 Ritual Mass Context (V. For the Pastoral Care of the Sick and Dying, 1. Anointing of the Sick, 11)
Brothers and sisters:
Christ Jesus has now reconciled you
in his fleshly Body through his death,
to present you holy, without blemish,
and irreproachable before him,
provided that you persevere in the faith,
firmly grounded, stable,
and not shifting from the hope of the Gospel that you heard,
which has been preached to every creature under heaven,
of which I, Paul, am a minister.
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake,
and in my flesh I am filling up
what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ
on behalf of his Body, which is the Church,
of which I am a minister
in accordance with God's stewardship given to me
to bring to completion for you the word of God,
the mystery hidden from ages and from generations past.
But now it has been manifested to his holy ones,
to whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory
of this mystery among the Gentiles;
it is Christ in you, the hope for glory.
It is he whom we proclaim,
admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom,
that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
For this I labor and struggle,
in accord with the exercise of his power working within me.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Col 1:22-29
The Apostle speaks to the great sacrifice of Christ who offered his body for the salvation of all. Through his sufferings he joins all Christians in solidarity with himself and the Father. In the suffering we share on earth, we join Jesus and participate with him in his great offering of sacrifice.
“As the community at Colossae was not personally known to Paul (see Introduction), he here invests his teaching with greater authority by presenting a brief sketch of his apostolic ministry and sufferings as they reflect those of Christ on behalf of the church (24). The preaching of God's word (Col 1:25) carries out the divine plan (the mystery, Col 1:26) to make Christ known to the Gentiles (Col 1:27). It teaches the God-given wisdom about Christ (Col 1:28), whose power works mightily in the apostle (Col 1:29).”[1]
The theme of unifying the “Body of Christ” in the face of great resistance or persecution (“I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his Body, which is the Church, of which I am a minister in accordance with God's stewardship given to me to bring to completion for you the word of God”), serves to bring Jew and gentile together as one community. The ultimate goal of St. Paul’s ministry is to bring everyone to Christ.
CCC: Col 1:20-22 2305; Col 1:24 307, 618, 1508; Col 1:27 568, 772
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Colossians 1:24–2:3
#437 Weekday Year I Context (Monday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time)
Brothers and sisters:
I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake,
and in my flesh I am filling up
what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ
on behalf of his Body, which is the Church,
of which I am a minister
in accordance with God’s stewardship given to me
to bring to completion for you the word of God,
the mystery hidden from ages and from generations past.
But now it has been manifested to his holy ones,
to whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory
of this mystery among the Gentiles;
it is Christ in you, the hope for glory.
It is he whom we proclaim,
admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom,
that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
For this I labor and struggle,
in accord with the exercise of his power working within me.
For I want you to know how great a struggle I am having for you
and for those in Laodicea
and all who have not seen me face to face,
that their hearts may be encouraged
as they are brought together in love,
to have all the richness of assured understanding,
for the knowledge of the mystery of God, Christ,
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Col 1:24–2:3
This selection begins with St. Paul telling the Colossians that the revelation of God’s plan is brought to completion in Christ, and he (Paul), in his suffering for the sake of that Gospel, is passing on that revelation to them. Going forward in his example, he hopes to encourage those whom he has not met to continue to live in the love of Christ and one another. There is a consistent understanding expressed by the apostle that all Christians are called to faith, even in the face of suffering. While through Christ’s suffering salvation was achieved, through the suffering of the faithful, conformity with Christ is brought nearer.
CCC: Col 1:24 307, 618, 1508; Col 1:27 568, 772
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Colossians 1:24-29
#554 Proper of Saints Context (St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Apr 24
#722 Commons Context (Common of Pastors)
#844 Mass for Various Needs Context (I. For the Holy Church, 5. For Priests, 5.)
#848 Mass for Various Needs Context (I. For the Holy Church, 6. For Minsters of the Church, 4.)
Brothers and sisters:
I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake,
and in my flesh I am filling up
what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ
on behalf of his Body, which is the Church,
of which I am a minister
in accordance with God's stewardship given to me
to bring to completion for you the word of God,
the mystery hidden from ages and from generations past.
But now it has been manifested to his holy ones,
to whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory
of this mystery among the Gentiles;
it is Christ in you, the hope for glory.
It is him whom we proclaim,
admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom,
that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
For this I labor and struggle,
in accord with the exercise of his power working within me.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Col 1:24-29
This selection begins with St. Paul telling the Colossians that in Christ the revelation of God’s plan is brought to completion and he, in his suffering for the sake of that Gospel, is passing on that revelation to them. The Apostle speaks to the great sacrifice of Christ who offered his body for the salvation of all. Through his sufferings he joins all Christians in solidarity with himself and the Father. In the suffering we share on earth, we join with Jesus, and participate with him in his great offering of sacrifice.
“As the community at Colossae was not personally known to Paul (see Introduction), he here invests his teaching with greater authority by presenting a brief sketch of his apostolic ministry and sufferings as they reflect those of Christ on behalf of the church (24). The preaching of God's word (Col 1:25) carries out the divine plan (the mystery, Col 1:26) to make Christ known to the Gentiles (Col 1:27). It teaches the God-given wisdom about Christ (Col 1:28), whose power works mightily in the apostle (Col 1:29).”[1]
The theme of unifying the “Body of Christ” in the face of great resistance or persecution (“I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his Body, which is the Church, of which I am a minister in accordance with God's stewardship given to me to bring to completion for you the word of God”) serves to bring Jew and gentile together as one community. The ultimate goal of St. Paul’s ministry is to bring everyone to Christ.
CCC: Col 1:24 307, 618, 1508; Col 1:27 568, 772
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Colossians 1:24-28
#108C Solemnities C Context (16th Week in Ordinary Time C)
Brothers and sisters:
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake,
and in my flesh I am filling up
what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ
on behalf of his body, which is the church,
of which I am a minister
in accordance with God’s stewardship given to me
to bring to completion for you the word of God,
the mystery hidden from ages and from generations past.
But now it has been manifested to his holy ones,
to whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory
of this mystery among the Gentiles;
it is Christ in you, the hope for glory.
It is he whom we proclaim,
admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom,
that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Col 1:24-28
“As the community at Colossae was not personally known to Paul, he here invests his teaching with greater authority by presenting a brief sketch of his apostolic ministry and sufferings as they reflect those of Christ on behalf of the Church.”[3]
The suffering, referred to by St. Paul (from the Jerusalem translation): “It makes me happy to suffer for you, as I am suffering now, and in my own body to do what I can to make up all that has still to be undergone by Christ for the sake of his body, the Church,” relates to the divisive impact the Gospel has when it is proclaimed. Some will accept it, others will not, completing Christ’s suffering in the rejection of the Gospel.
CCC: Col 1:24 307, 618, 1508; Col 1:27 568, 772
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Colossians 2:6-15
#438 Weekday Year I Context (Tuesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time)
Brothers and sisters:
As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him,
rooted in him and built upon him
and established in the faith as you were taught,
abounding in thanksgiving.
See to it that no one captivate you with an empty, seductive philosophy
according to the tradition of men,
according to the elemental powers of the world
and not according to Christ.
For in him dwells the whole fullness of the deity bodily,
and you share in this fullness in him,
who is the head of every principality and power.
In him you were also circumcised
with a circumcision not administered by hand,
by stripping off the carnal body, with the circumcision of Christ.
You were buried with him in baptism,
in which you were also raised with him
through faith in the power of God,
who raised him from the dead.
And even when you were dead in transgressions
and the uncircumcision of your flesh,
he brought you to life along with him,
having forgiven us all our transgressions;
obliterating the bond against us, with its legal claims,
which was opposed to us,
he also removed it from our midst, nailing it to the cross;
despoiling the principalities and the powers,
he made a public spectacle of them,
leading them away in triumph by it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Col 2:6-15
St. Paul begins this selection with a warning to the Colossians to be careful not to fall into traps laid by secular teaching. He reminds them that Jesus Christ is God (who took on flesh as true man and was crucified for our salvation), and that all power resides in him. He concludes this passage with the classic witness of the triumph of the cross over sin and death.
In verses 13-14.
This is one of the central teachings of the epistle--that Jesus Christ is the
only mediator between God and men. The basic purpose of his mediation is to
reconcile men with God, through the forgiveness of their sins and the gift of
the life of grace, which is a sharing in God's own life. [5]
CCC: Col 2:9 484, 515, 722, 2502; Col 2:11-13 527; Col 2:12 628, 1002, 1214, 1227, 1694
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colossians 2:12-14
#111C Solemnities C Context (17th Sunday in Ordinary Time C)
Brothers and sisters:
You were buried with him in baptism,
in which you were also raised with him
through faith in the power of God,
who raised him from the dead.
And even when you were dead
in transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh,
he brought you to life along with him,
having forgiven us all our transgressions;
obliterating the bond against us, with its legal claims,
which was opposed to us,
he also removed it from our midst, nailing it to the cross.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Col 2:12-14
St. Paul refers to the “death of baptism” (see also Romans 6:1-11). He is referring to the process whereby the baptized die to their sins and rise as new creations. He places this effect in the present, that is, the risen Christ has already transformed them through his adoption. Paul also talks about “obliterating the bond against us, with its legal claims.” We have been relieved of the yoke of Mosaic Law, with the prescribed punishments for its violations.
CCC: Col 2:11-13 527; Col 2:12 628, 1002, 1214, 1227, 1694
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colossians 3:1-11
#439 Weekday Year I Context (Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time)
Brothers and sisters:
If you were raised with Christ, seek what is above,
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.
For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ your life appears,
then you too will appear with him in glory.
Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly:
immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire,
and the greed that is idolatry.
Because of these the wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient.
By these you too once conducted yourselves, when you lived in that way.
But now you must put them all away:
anger, fury, malice, slander,
and obscene language out of your mouths.
Stop lying to one another,
since you have taken off the old self with its practices
and have put on the new self,
which is being renewed, for knowledge,
in the image of its creator.
Here there is not Greek and Jew,
circumcision and uncircumcision,
barbarian, Scythian, slave, free;
but Christ is all and in all.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Col 3:1-11
St. Paul continues his exhortation to the Colossians by telling them to focus on their spiritual selves rather than on things of the flesh. He goes on to provide a litany of conduct that has no place in the Christian community, sins of the flesh and violations of the commandments. He concludes by reminding them that in their faith community there must be unity, and that despite the vast differences in social, economic, and former religious status, in Christ all are equal.
CCC: Col 3-4 1971; Col 3:1-3 655; Col 3:1 1002; Col 3:3 665, 1003, 1420, 2796; Col 3:4 1003, 2772; Col 3:5-8 1852; Col 3:5 2518; Col 3:10 2809
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Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11
#114C Solemnities C Context (18th Sunday in Ordinary Time C)
Brothers and sisters:
If you were raised with Christ, seek what is above,
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.
For you have died,
and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ your life appears,
then you too will appear with him in glory.
Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly:
immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire,
and the greed that is idolatry.
Stop lying to one another,
since you have taken off the old self with its practices
and have put on the new self,
which is being renewed, for knowledge,
in the image of its creator.
Here there is not Greek and Jew,
circumcision and uncircumcision,
barbarian, Scythian, slave, free;
but Christ is all and in all.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Col 3:1-5, 9-11
The theme of seeking the higher gifts continues in this section of St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians; he exhorts those raised to new life in Christ to focus on building spirituality. St. Paul instructs the church to turn away from the hedonistic instincts of human nature, to make a radical change, dying to the old self (also Romans 6:3), and become the new creation of the baptized. In this baptism we are unified, one in Christ (similar to Ephesians 2:14ff).
CCC: Col 3-4 1971; Col 3:1-3 655; Col 3:1 1002; Col 3:3 665, 1003, 1420, 2796; Col 3:4 1003, 2772; Col 3:5-8 1852; Col 3:5 2518; Col 3:10 2809
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colossians 3:1-4
#42A Solemnities A Context (The Mass of Easter Day A)
#42B Solemnities B Context (The Mass of Easter Day B)
#42C Solemnities C Context (The Mass of Easter Day C)
#812 Ritual Mass Context (For the Consecration of Virgins and Religious Profession, 10.)
Brothers and sisters:
If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above,
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.
For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ your life appears,
then you too will appear with him in glory.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Col 3:1-4
The theme of seeking the higher gifts continues in this section of St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians; he exhorts those raised to new life in Christ to focus on building spirituality. Paul gives assurance to the Colossians that they too have a home with Christ, who now is seated at the right hand of the Father. In saying this, he points their aspirations to the things of heaven, telling them that if eternal life with Christ is what they desire, they should focus their thoughts on the Lord, not on things of the earth.
CCC: Col 2:9 484, 515, 722, 2502; Col 2:11-13 527; Col 2:12 628, 1002, 1214, 1227, 1694
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colossians 2:12-14
#111C Solemnities C Context (17th Sunday in Ordinary Time C)
Brothers and sisters:
You were buried with him in baptism,
in which you were also raised with him
through faith in the power of God,
who raised him from the dead.
And even when you were dead
in transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh,
he brought you to life along with him,
having forgiven us all our transgressions;
obliterating the bond against us, with its legal claims,
which was opposed to us,
he also removed it from our midst, nailing it to the cross.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Col 2:12-14
St. Paul refers to the “death of baptism” (see also Romans 6:1-11). He is referring to the process whereby the baptized die to their sins and rise as new creations. He places this effect in the present, that is, the risen Christ has already transformed them through his adoption. Paul also talks about “obliterating the bond against us, with its legal claims.” We have been relieved of the yoke of Mosaic Law, with the prescribed punishments for its violations.
CCC: Col 2:11-13 527; Col 2:12 628, 1002, 1214, 1227, 1694
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colossians 3:1-11
#439 Weekday Year I Context (Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time)
Brothers and sisters:
If you were raised with Christ, seek what is above,
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.
For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ your life appears,
then you too will appear with him in glory.
Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly:
immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire,
and the greed that is idolatry.
Because of these the wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient.
By these you too once conducted yourselves, when you lived in that way.
But now you must put them all away:
anger, fury, malice, slander,
and obscene language out of your mouths.
Stop lying to one another,
since you have taken off the old self with its practices
and have put on the new self,
which is being renewed, for knowledge,
in the image of its creator.
Here there is not Greek and Jew,
circumcision and uncircumcision,
barbarian, Scythian, slave, free;
but Christ is all and in all.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Col 3:1-11
St. Paul continues his exhortation to the Colossians by telling them to focus on their spiritual selves rather than on things of the flesh. He goes on to provide a litany of conduct that has no place in the Christian community, sins of the flesh and violations of the commandments. He concludes by reminding them that in their faith community there must be unity, and that despite the vast differences in social, economic, and former religious status, in Christ all are equal.
CCC: Col 3-4 1971; Col 3:1-3 655; Col 3:1 1002; Col 3:3 665, 1003, 1420, 2796; Col 3:4 1003, 2772; Col 3:5-8 1852; Col 3:5 2518; Col 3:10 2809
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11
#114C Solemnities C Context (18th Sunday in Ordinary Time C)
Brothers and sisters:
If you were raised with Christ, seek what is above,
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.
For you have died,
and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ your life appears,
then you too will appear with him in glory.
Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly:
immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire,
and the greed that is idolatry.
Stop lying to one another,
since you have taken off the old self with its practices
and have put on the new self,
which is being renewed, for knowledge,
in the image of its creator.
Here there is not Greek and Jew,
circumcision and uncircumcision,
barbarian, Scythian, slave, free;
but Christ is all and in all.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Col 3:1-5, 9-11
The theme of seeking the higher gifts continues in this section of St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians; he exhorts those raised to new life in Christ to focus on building spirituality. St. Paul instructs the church to turn away from the hedonistic instincts of human nature, to make a radical change, dying to the old self (also Romans 6:3), and become the new creation of the baptized. In this baptism we are unified, one in Christ (similar to Ephesians 2:14ff).
CCC: Col 3-4 1971; Col 3:1-3 655; Col 3:1 1002; Col 3:3 665, 1003, 1420, 2796; Col 3:4 1003, 2772; Col 3:5-8 1852; Col 3:5 2518; Col 3:10 2809
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colossians 3:1-4
#42A Solemnities A Context (The Mass of Easter Day A)
#42B Solemnities B Context (The Mass of Easter Day B)
#42C Solemnities C Context (The Mass of Easter Day C)
#812 Ritual Mass Context (For the Consecration of Virgins and Religious Profession, 10.)
Brothers and sisters:
If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above,
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.
For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ your life appears,
then you too will appear with him in glory.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Col 3:1-4
The theme of seeking the higher gifts continues in this section of St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians; he exhorts those raised to new life in Christ to focus on building spirituality. Paul gives assurance to the Colossians that they too have a home with Christ, who now is seated at the right hand of the Father. In saying this, he points their aspirations to the things of heaven, telling them that if eternal life with Christ is what they desire, they should focus their thoughts on the Lord, not on things of the earth.
“Where Christ is enthroned in heaven and where believers are
seated with him through the grace or Baptism (Ephesians 2:6). This
must be the focus of our thoughts as we struggle to lift our minds above the
concerns of the world. (Romans 8:5-6) (CCC 664,1003)” []
CCC: Col 3-4 1971; Col 3:1-3 655; Col 3:1 1002; Col 3:3 665, 1003, 1420, 2796; Col 3:4 1003, 2772
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colossians 3:9b-17
#752 Ritual Mass Context (I. For the Conferral of Christian Initiation, 1. Catechumenate and Christian Initiation of Adults - Christian Initiation Apart From the Easter Vigil, 9.)
#868 Mass for Various Needs Context (I. For the Holy Church, 10. For the Unity of Christians, 6.)
#883 Mass for Various Needs Context (II. For Public Needs, 13. For the Country or a City or for Those Who Serve in Public Office or for the Congress or for the President or for the Progress of Peoples, 7.)
Brothers and sisters:
You have taken off the old self with its practices
and have put on the new self,
which is being renewed, for knowledge,
in the image of its creator.
Here there is not Greek and Jew,
circumcision and uncircumcision,
barbarian, Scythian, slave, free;
but Christ is all and in all.
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved,
heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,
bearing with one another and forgiving one another,
if one has a grievance against another;
as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.
And over all these put on love,
that is, the bond of perfection.
And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,
the peace into which you were also called in one Body.
And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,
as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another,
singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs
with gratitude in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, in word or in deed,
do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Col 3:9b-17
Here we have the rather controversial family hierarchy of the era described by St. Paul. This entire section of the letter is a discourse on harmony within the family of Christ.
"The Christian, who in Baptism has risen with Christ, should not live for himself but for God. This means that every day he needs to put off his old nature and put on the new.
The 'old nature', the 'old man': one who lets himself be led by disorderly passions (cf. Romans 7:8), who lets his body do evil in the service of sin (Colossians 3:5; cf. Romans 6:12ff). With the help of grace the old nature is being more and more broken down, while the new nature is constantly being renewed (cf. 2 Corinthians 6:16)."[3]
It is important to note the instruction given in this reading. Paul describes the Christian rules for relationships; “Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another”.
CCC: Col 3:10 2809; Col 3:14 815, 1827, 1844; Col 3:16-17 1156, 2633; Col 3:16 2641
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colossians 3:12-21*
#17A Solemnities A Context (The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph)
#17B Solemnities B Context (The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph)
#17C Solemnities C Context (The holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph)
Brothers and sisters:
Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved,
heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,
bearing with one another and forgiving one another,
if one has a grievance against another;
as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.
And over all these put on love,
that is, the bond of perfection.
And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,
the peace into which you were also called in one body.
And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,
as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another,
singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs
with gratitude in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, in word or in deed,
do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Wives, be subordinate to your husbands,
as is proper in the Lord.
Husbands, love your wives,
and avoid any bitterness toward them.
Children, obey your parents in everything,
for this is pleasing to the Lord.
Fathers, do not provoke your children,
so they may not become discouraged.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Col 3:12-21
St. Paul exhorts the Colossians with a litany of positive attitudes that culminate in the cardinal axiom of the faith: “love one another.” He goes on to implore them to let the peace of Christ control their every action and to praise God constantly through Jesus, God’s only Son.
The passage describes the rather controversial family hierarchy of the era portrayed by St. Paul. This entire section of the letter is a discourse on harmony within the family of Christ. It is important to note the instruction given in the first part of this reading. Paul describes the Christian rules for relationships: “Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another.”
When the subordinated relationships are described in the verses following, equality in membership in the family is established.
CCC: Col 3:14 815, 1827, 1844; Col 3:16-17 1156, 2633; Col 3:16 2641; Col 3:18-21 2204; Col 3:20 2217; Col 3:21 2286
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Or: Colossians 3:12-17
Brothers and sisters:
Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved,
heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,
bearing with one another and forgiving one another,
if one has a grievance against another;
as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.
And over all these put on love,
that is, the bond of perfection.
And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,
the peace into which you were also called in one body.
And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,
as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another,
singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs
with gratitude in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, in word or in deed,
do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Col 3:12-17
This shorter option omits the hierarchical relationship descriptions. Its focus remains consistent, however, driving the Pauline ideals of harmony and unity within the Christian family.
CCC: Col 3:14 815, 1827, 1844; Col 3:16-17 1156, 2633; Col 3:16 2641
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colossians 3:12-17
#440 Weekday Year I Context (Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time)
#579 Proper of Saints Context (St. Ephrem, Jun 9)
#740 Commons Context (Common of Holy Men and Women)
#802 Ritual Mass Context (VI. For the Conferral of the Sacrament of Marriage, 5.)
#807 Ritual Mass Context (VII. For the Blessing of Abbots and Abbesses, 3)
#812 Ritual Mass Context (VIII. For the Consecration of Virgins and Religious Profession, 11.)
#944 Mass for Various Needs Context (III. In Various Public Circumstances, 26. In Thanksgiving to God, Third Option)
#986 Votive Mass Context (The Most Holy Name of Jesus, 3)
#8C BVM Context (Our Lady of Nazareth II, Christmas 8)
Brothers and sisters:
Put on, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved,
heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,
bearing with one another and forgiving one another,
if one has a grievance against another;
as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.
And over all these put on love,
that is, the bond of perfection.
And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,
the peace into which you were also called in one Body.
And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,
as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another,
singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs
with gratitude in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, in word or in deed,
do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.
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Commentary on Col 3:12-17
St. Paul exhorts the Colossians with a litany of positive attitudes that culminate in the cardinal axiom of the faith “love one another.” He goes on to implore them to let the peace of Christ control their every action and to praise God constantly through Jesus, God’s only Son.
This is the introduction to the family hierarchy of the era described by St. Paul. This entire section of the letter is a discourse on harmony within the family of Christ. It is important to note the instruction given in the first part of this reading. Paul describes the Christian rules for relationships: “Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another.” The consistent focus of the passage brings home the Pauline ideals of harmony and unity within the Christian family.
CCC: Col 3:14 815, 1827, 1844; Col 3:16-17 1156, 2633; Col 3:16 2641
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Colossians 3:12-15
#888 Mass for Various Needs Context (II. For Public Needs, 14. For Peace and Justice, Second Option)
#959 Mass for Various Needs Context (IV. For Various Needs, 30. For Our Oppressors, Second Option)
Brothers and sisters:
Put on, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved,
heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,
bearing with one another and forgiving one another,
if one has a grievance against another;
as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.
And over all these put on love,
that is, the bond of perfection.
And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,
the peace into which you were also called in one Body.
And be thankful.
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Commentary on Col 3:12-15
Here we have the introduction to the family hierarchy of the era described by St. Paul. This entire section of the letter is a discourse on harmony within the family of Christ. It is important to note the instruction given in the first part of this reading. Paul describes the Christian rules for relationships; “Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another”.
Placed within the broader society, Christians are to recall Christ's commandment to love one another; even when that love is not returned. It is in this way, we demonstrate that we are followers of the Prince of Peace.
CCC: Col 3:14 815, 1827, 1844
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Colossians 3:14-15, 17, 23-24
#559 Proper of Saints Context (St. Joseph the Worker, May 1)
Brothers and sisters:
Over all these things put on love,
that is, the bond of perfection.
And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,
the peace into which you were also called in one Body.
And be thankful.
And whatever you do, in word or in deed,
do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Whatever you do, do from the heart,
as for the Lord and not for men,
knowing that you will receive from the Lord
the due payment of the inheritance;
be slaves of the Lord Christ.
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Commentary on Col 3:14-15, 17, 23-24
St. Paul speaks to the Colossians about the way they are to live as a community, dedicated to Christian principles and compassionate to all. The passage we are given picks up this theme at the climax as he tells the faithful, above all other acts of charity and kindness to “…put on love”, the ultimate expression of the soul.
Omitted from this reading are the practical examples of the instructions St. Paul gives. We are left with the summary of actions – act always in the name of Jesus and be at peace, knowing the reward has already been promised and paid for with the Lord’s sacrifice.
CCC: Col 3:14 815, 1827, 1844; Col 3:16-17 1156, 2633; Col 3:18-21 2204; Col 3:20 2217; Col 3:21 2286
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[1]See NAB footnote on Colossians 1:24 – 2:3
[2] See NAB Footnote on Colossians 1:15-20
[3] The Navarre Bible: “Letters of St. Paul”, Scepter Publishers, Princeton, NJ, © 2003, p. 483
[4] The Navarre Bible: “Letters of St. Paul”, Scepter Publishers, Princeton, NJ, © 2003, p.466
[5] The Navarre Bible: “Letters of St. Paul”, Scepter Publishers, Princeton, NJ, © 2003, p. 478.
[6] The Navarre Bible Letters of St. Paul (Scepter Publishers, Princeton, NJ, © 2003), 467.
[7] Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, Old and New Testament (Ignatius Press, © 2024, San Francisco, CA.), 2104.
[8] Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, Old and New Testament (Ignatius Press, © 2024, San Francisco, CA.), 2106
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