The Holy Martyrs and Notaries Marcian and Martyrius (351)
Colossians 1:1-2, 7-11; Luke 8:1-3
Read Colossians 1:1-2, 7-11
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
How many of us can say that not only are we zealous to grow in the Spirit and knowledge of God, but that we desire to help someone else do the same. St. Paul, being a missionary for the Gospel, sets for us a beautiful example of the love of neighbour. He is overwhelmed with desire overflowing from his heart to bring the knowledge of God to others. The foundation of this desire is a personal encounter and relationship with Jesus Christ himself. It is the Lord’s love that propels him and fills him with overflowing grace which moves him to share the knowledge of God.
The first place to start is prayer. This is where we encounter Jesus in an intimate way. This is where we commune with the Lord and are filled with His love. Not only does prayer fill us with the grace of God and empower us to fulfil His will in our life, but it also warms the heart of those whom we pray for. Notice that St. Paul persistently prays for those whom he strives to bring to the Lord. Today’s epistle even shows us what to pray for: “we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” If we pray earnestly, with faith, with persistence like St. Paul the Lord will not only touch the heart of those whom we pray for, but will transform us also.