Colossians 1:1-8, Psalm 52:10-11, Luke 4:38-44
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HOMETOWN BOY BRINGS RENEWAL
"You first heard [the gospel] and comprehended God's gracious intention
through the instructions of Epaphras." —Colossians 1:6-7
Epaphras grew up in the ancient city of Colossae (Col 4:12). At some
point, he traveled out of town and crossed paths with some Christians, who
evangelized him and led him to conversion and life as "a servant of Christ
Jesus" (Col 4:12). Epaphras then met St. Paul, who had never visited
Colossae (Col 2:1). He and Paul became fellow missionaries and evangelists
(Col 1:7).
After his conversion, Epaphras was sent to Colossae as a representative of
Paul's missionary team. The people of Colossae had never known Jesus, but
they did know Epaphras. Through his voice, they heard the gospel message
of truth (Col 1:5), believed in Jesus, bore the fruit of disciples (Col
1:6), developed a vibrant "love in the Spirit" (Col 1:8), and established
a lasting Church.
At some point Epaphras left Colossae and returned to Paul's mission.
Nonetheless, Epaphras had a pastor's heart for them. He was "always
pleading earnestly in prayer" that they would "stand firm,...be perfect
and have full conviction about whatever pertains to God's will" (Col
4:12). He also prayed for the other cities in his home region, interceding
solicitously for Laodicea and Hierapolis (Col 4:13). Finally, Paul was
imprisoned (Col 4:10) with Epaphras (Phlm 1:23), but remembered the church
at Colossae and wrote them the letter to the Colossians.
Be an Epaphras. Bring Jesus to your hometown.
Prayer: Jesus, give me Your heart of love for the people of my town,
county, state, and nation. May I lead many of them to You.
Promise: "I will...proclaim the goodness of Your name before Your faithful
ones." —Ps 52:11
Praise: Praise You, Jesus, for those who evangelized Epaphras! Without
them, we wouldn't have the treasure that is the Letter to the Colossians.
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from
August 1, 2009 through September 30, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, February 11, 2009
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.
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