01-01-25

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
January 1, 2025
Does anyone else feel like the date should be somewhere in mid-November? I can’t help but wonder how many times I’ll mistakenly write down 2024 in the coming weeks. I have a peculiar habit of complaining about how quickly time passes; it feels like something just started, and before I know it, it’s already over. In Colossians 4, Paul tells his readers to “make the most of the time.” Of course, that sounds remarkably similar to advice that is frequently offered in various situations. But for Paul, the advice of making the most of the time comes after Paul tells his readers to conduct themselves wisely towards outsiders, or a different translation reads the word ‘conduct’ in its literal meaning which is ‘to walk.’ When Paul writes to Colossians about making the most of their time by walking toward the outsiders, he is ultimately referencing purpose. Time, whether it moves quickly or slowly, is time that is full if the one living in that time has purpose. 

Provide me, Merciful God, with a true sense of purpose that honors the saving and liberating gift born in Bethlehem. I’m unable to commit to next week or next month, but on this auspicious first day of a new year, I will channel the life energy within me to serve the Gospel. Amen.

Happy New Year!