The Noontimes

Colossians 2:8-23: Errors

Friday, November 29, 2024

We are sometimes caught up in a well-developed argument, following its false logic to a false end. We can be led astray by philosophy that seems flawless, by practices that seem good and righteous. Long held traditions, jazzy new jargon, worship of something other than God that seems to do no harm, cheating that no one knows about, vanity so puffed up it has become ridiculous. These are all ideas and practices that Paul warns the Colossians – and us – to guard against. He tells them – and us – that these little demons enter our lives subtly, when we are occupied with daily work, when we are succeeding, when we are happy. Yet, he continues, if we live of and through and in Christ, we can easily identify and walk away from all these tempting worldly thoughts and devices.

We know that this letter was written to a congregation that Paul did not establish.  (CATHOLIC STUDY BIBLE, 318) The town of Colossae was having trouble disentangling itself from the cultic practices familiar to the people; they struggled against pagan teachings that Paul identifies as but “shadows” of the tenets brought to them by Christ. Epaphras, the man who founded the Christian church in Colossae, asks Paul’s help, and so the apostle writes this letter from prison. He wisely does not attempt to argue away against well-developed, long-held beliefs. Instead, he places Jesus before this little flock and allows the Spirit to work in their hearts. The Spirit works in our hearts as well. It enlightens our path that we might see the error of our own ways.

When we find ourselves struggling against a well-oiled, corrupt structure, we must turn our struggle over to Christ and allow him to give us courage.

When we find ourselves lost in the convolutions of a byzantine argument, we must turn our confusion over to the Spirit and allow her to give us the words we will use in witness.

When we find ourselves anxious about the state of the world and the kingdom of God being neglected, we must turn our anxiety over to God and allow God to instill in us the wisdom we will need to extract ourselves from the mire, to witness to the corruption, and to begin our intercessory prayer for those who choose to live in the darkness.

And we must remain in Christ’s light so that we might see our errors. And mend them.

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