Colossians 3:1-11
3 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.
8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.
The themes of Advent—Christ’s coming and our need to lead pious lives of daily repentance as we wait for Him—are set forth beautifully in today’s reading.
Christ admonished us in Sunday’s Gospel, “Take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly…Watch, therefore, and pray always” (Luke 21:34,36). St. Paul reissues this same warning as he writes to the Colossians. Instead of indulging in sinful, earthly pleasures, instead of focusing on temporal, earthly goals, remember your Baptism, where you were joined with Christ, buried with Him and also raised again to life, where you were made alive together with Him, where all your trespasses were forgiven you (cf. Col. 2:12-13). Remember that your primary goal is living with Christ in heaven! If your life has been tied to Christ so intimately, if your goal is to live a life of sinlessness in heaven, then what place do sexual immorality, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness have in the new life Christ has given you? What place do anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, and filthy language have in the lives of those who are preparing for heaven, whose life is already hidden there in Christ?
Keep looking up. Watch. Pray for God’s help to preserve you in watchfulness and in leading a life that is worthy of your calling. The God who created the new man in you, who has united you to Christ as your all in all, is faithfully devoted to preserving and strengthening you until the end.
Let us pray: Holy Father, bless us and keep us from all sin and shame. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, draw our eyes and our hearts heavenward, where our dear Lord Jesus sits at Your right hand. Amen.
