Pauline Reflections 18 - 21st February 2009

You have been stripped of the old self and its way of thinking to put on a new, which is being renewed and is to reach perfect knowledge and the likeness of its creator. There, is no distinction between Jew and Greek, between circumcised and uncircumcised. There are no strangers, barbarians, slave and free, but Christ is all and is in all.  Colossians 3:9- 11

Paul in these verses develops the theme of the new self - created in Christ in comparison with the old self, which must be abandoned. This theme he also emphasised in Ephesians 4:20-24. Baptism ought to bring about a change in our personalities and our attitudes. Our faith in Christ unites us with the whole of humanity and destroys barriers. In our common quest as Christians, disciples of Jesus Christ: there is no more Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, strangers, slaves nor free. Thus the world can truly be one people irrespective of race or creed. 

In the ancient world, there was so much unhealthy rivalry, the Greeks who were the aristocrats, looked down on the barbarians. Unfortunately, this same rivalry is so much part of us even today. In the new order of Christianity, Paul reminds us that all barriers and rivalries should be broken. The old self before baptism, enslaved by passions of discrimination, envy, hate and rivalry, should be all gone by now. The new self is characterized by a communal attitude. A constant concern for others should be the order of the day. 

Christians today should realise that our faith in Christ demands that we respect difference - in opinions, belief, race, sex, etc. On the other hand, we need to work and promote unity and peace in a secularised and pluralistic world. The challenge to make the world a better place is ours, and this challenge must begin with me.

Prayer 

 Lord, may I realise that in following you, I should seek to love and respect everyone. In you there is no distinction, and I acknowledge you as my Lord and saviour for you are all in all. Amen.