If the spirit moves you
water
We're now well into the season of "Ordinary Time" which, with a few exceptions, takes us from mid-June to mid-December. We put aside the purple of preparation (Lent, Advent) and the white of wonder (Christmas, Easter) and the scarlet of sacrifice or Spirit (Holy week, Martyrs, Pentecost). This is a season of green for the growing of faith found in the ordinary. Ordinary time is an excellent season for finding God in nature and in our work and in our families. We seek out God on Tuesday afternoons and Saturday mornings rather than in the high and holy days of religious festivals.
With a desire to keep the green-season fresh, I'm intending to preach for the next four Sundays on the epistle rather than the gostpe. Colossians is a short letter, but is packed full of memorable passages. If the Spirit so moves you, I'd recommend taking the time to read the whole thing from start to finish at some point over the coming week. It's only 4 chapters after all!
It's a letter from an imprisoned Paul to a church he didn't plant, and one he's yet to visit. But he's had a report from a mutual friend and so offers some wisdom to them. He begins with encouragement, and a reminder of who Jesus is (the bedrock of all good Theology). Then he offers some reflections on how this saving God still shows his grace through an imprisoned and long-suffering Paul. Then he goes on to share specific advice for the cultural pressures they are facing (some of which are very much still applicable today) before sharing an image of what resurrection life can look like. I'm looking forward to sharing some of the grace contained within.
Blessings to you all. And for those now looking after children on holiday - good luck.
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