This week, we are using daily meditations prepared by the World Council of Churches in celebration of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. We encourage you to take time this week to pray specifically for the witness of Christ’s Church throughout the world.

Colossians 1:15-20 (CEB)

15 The Son is the image of the invisible God,
        the one who is first over all creation,

16 Because all things were created by him:
        both in the heavens and on the earth,
        the things that are visible and the things that are invisible.
        Whether they are thrones or powers,
        or rulers or authorities,
        all things were created through him and for him.

17 He existed before all things,
        and all things are held together in him.

18 He is the head of the body, the church,
who is the beginning,
        the one who is firstborn from among the dead
        so that he might occupy the first place in everything.

19 Because all the fullness of God was pleased to live in him,
20         and he reconciled all things to himself through him—
         whether things on earth or in the heavens.
            He brought peace through the blood of his cross.


Reflection

The hymn to Christ in the epistle to the Colossians invites us to sing the praise of God’s salvation, which encompasses the entire universe. Through the crucified and risen Christ, a path of reconciliation has been opened up; creation too is destined for a future of life and peace.

With the eyes of faith, we see that the kingdom of God is a reality that is very close but still very small, hardly visible – like a mustard seed. However, it is growing. Even in the distress of our world the Spirit of the Risen One is at work. He encourages us to become involved – with all people of good will – in tirelessly seeking justice and peace, and ensuring the earth is once again a home for all creatures.

We participate in the work of the Spirit so that creation in all its fullness may continue to praise God. When nature suffers, when human beings are crushed, the Spirit of the risen Christ – far from allowing us to lose heart – invites us to become part of his work of healing.

The newness of life that Christ brings, however hidden, is a light of hope for many. It is a wellspring of reconciliation for the whole of creation and contains a joy that comes from beyond ourselves: “so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete” (Jn 15:11).

Do you wish to celebrate the newness of life that Christ gives through the Holy Spirit, and let it live in you, among us, in the church, in the world and in all of creation?

Second promise made during profession at the Community of Grandchamp

Courtesy of the Monastic Community of Grandchamp, Switzerland.


For Pondering & Prayer

Where do you go to experience the wonder of Creation? Today, let your wonder and awe at God’s Creation propel you to take one small positive step toward its preservation.

Prayer: Thrice-holy God, we thank you for having created and loved us. We thank you for your presence in us and in creation. May we learn to look upon the world as you look upon it, with love. In the hope of this vision, may we be able to work for a world where justice and peace flourish,
for the glory of your name.