Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Colossians 1:1-8, Psalm 52:10-11, Luke 4:38-44
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/090413.cfm
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 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: It was through the Word of God proclaimed by her parish's deacon that Linda heard God call to her.
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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, 2013 through September 30, 2013
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 4, 2013
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 2013 Presentation Ministries
To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp
To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r
No comments:
Post a Comment