Our Venerable Father Euthymius the Younger. Holy Venerable-Martyr Lucian, Priest of Great Antioch (312).
Colossians 2:20-3:3. Luke 9:23-27.
Read Colossians 2:20-3:3
In Colossians 2:20-3:3, Paul challenges us to examine the heart of our faith. At the center of genuine Christian spirituality is humility and love. How often do we find ourselves seeking the approval of others, or acting out of mere obligation? This is especially true when it comes to our spiritual practices. For example, why do we attend church on Sundays or Holy Days of Obligation? Is it simply because canon law requires it, or do we go out of a deep desire to grow in our relationship with Christ?
The canons of the Church serve as guides, helping us rise above our laziness and instilling a sense of duty. But Paul warns against allowing this sense of obligation to turn into a false spirituality, one that’s focused on fulfilling external requirements rather than nurturing an authentic love for God. This is the difference between spiritual immaturity and maturity.
I was recently reminded of this during our family’s Thanksgiving gathering. I’m the oldest of my grandparents’ grandchildren, and in the past, the older generations would ask my siblings, cousins, and me to help with the meal or clean up afterward. But this time was different—without being asked, each of us saw what needed to be done and simply did it. We weren’t following orders; we were motivated by love.
Our life in the Church is much the same. When we are spiritually young, we need rules to guide us. We need to be told what to do. But as we mature in faith, those same actions become second nature, driven not by obligation but by love. Just as my cousin cleared the table out of love, we go to church, fast, and follow Christ’s commands because we want to—because we love Him.
So today, ask yourself: Am I still living a faith where I need to be told what to do, or have I grown to the point where my actions flow from humility and love for Christ? Let’s strive to nurture that mature faith, one that seeks not merely to fulfill obligations but to deepen our relationship with the One who loves us first.