July 2022

Throughout this letter Paul has not held back on his critiques but throughout it he has been positive and affirming. He loves the Colossians and that comes through. He also doesn’t want them to think they need to worship or pray to river spirits or angels who have part of God’s divinity alongside Jesus who also has just a part. No, Paul says, all rulers and authorities of the world were created through him. Through his resurrection, they have been shamed and brought into submission.

As someone who can get very wrapped up in policy and court opinions and how are things going to work I understand the Colossians’ look for secret truths ways to appease the minor gods who may actually be in control. Then Paul calls me out…in this hymn to Christ that Paul has slightly reworked Paul gives the Colossians hope…

With white supremacists on our door, we’ve been rescued from the power of shadows and brought into God’s reign which has come near. Jesus’ bringing in God’s reign moves us from strength to strength and keeps us going for when we need to face the powers and principalities of this world.

t’s okay for us to feel our feelings, to have our concerns, to be anxious, and to worry. It’s important not to theologize pain or use escapism of religion to say it doesn’t matter.
We’re here today to be told that it does, and that it’s not the end. Jesus’ disciples go ahead of him to tell people to repent and believe in the Good News: the Kingdom of God is at hand.