walk in him, rooted in him and built upon him
and established in the faith as you were taught,
abounding in thanksgiving.
See to it that no one captivate you
with an empty, seductive philosophy
according to human tradition,
according to the elemental powers of the world
and not according to Christ.
For in him dwells the whole fullness of the deity bodily,
and you share in this fullness in him,
who is the head of every principality and power." Col 2: 6- 9
This strong exhortation from St. Paul to the Colossians reminds us that we need to stay true to the faith. Many people however today are pulling away from what they were taught and wavering in their faith for various reasons. All of us can be tempted to do that.
Perhaps it's what we've chosen to think--our own adopted philosophy of life, or our particular needs, and at times illnesses cause us to withdraw from God's love doubting that He's still with us as He promised. Whatever it may be, we need to be mindful of the factors influencing our relationship with the Lord.
Pope Benedict XVI asserts that "the seduction of a materialistic culture of individualism" is causing people to be self-centered. According to a news report by Fiona Govan in Madrid, he addressed pilgrims gathered there recently at World Youth Day telling them to avoid “the fashion of individualism” and not to keep their faith private but to participate in church life and share the faith.
“We cannot follow Jesus on our own,” the 84-year old pontiff said. “So do not keep Christ to yourselves! Share with others the joy of your faith.”
Because of individualism he says we need a re-evangelization of the Christian world, not just evangelization of non-believers.
Let us guard against this error in the world, strive to be other-centered and share our faith freely. And in all things be "abounding in thanksgiving." The antidote to modern individualism, Benedict says, is the Eucharist--which means thanksgiving. Thus will we find the fullness of peace within ourselves and go forth in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Because of individualism he says we need a re-evangelization of the Christian world, not just evangelization of non-believers.
Let us guard against this error in the world, strive to be other-centered and share our faith freely. And in all things be "abounding in thanksgiving." The antidote to modern individualism, Benedict says, is the Eucharist--which means thanksgiving. Thus will we find the fullness of peace within ourselves and go forth in peace to love and serve the Lord.
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