VII.
Today let’s spend time with these words of Paul and pay attention to what he identifies as his hope for the recipients of his letter.

VIII.
Colossians 1:24-2:3 (NRSVue)

I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. I became its minister according to God’s commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery that has been hidden throughout the ages and generations but has now been revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. It is he whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil and strive with all the energy that he powerfully inspires within me.

For I want you to know how greatly I strive for you and for those in Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face. I want their hearts to be encouraged and united in love, so that they may have all the riches of assured understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

IX.
We’ve already noticed Paul writes, “For I want you to know …”

Would it be correct to say he wants them (and those in Laodicea) to know how much he works for them?

He also writes that he is “rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake.”

How do you understand his comment that “… I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church”?

And on top of all this – “It is he whom we proclaim … so that we may present everyone mature in Christ.”

Do you catch Paul’s hope and vision that all may be “mature in Christ”?

Charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}