another ten commandments
"Whatever you do, whether in speech or in action, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus." —Colossians 3:17
There are ten commandments in today's first Scripture reading from Colossians:
- "Clothe yourselves with heartfelt mercy, with kindness, humility, meekness, and patience" (Col 3:12). Jesus has bought these five garments for us; we must put them on.
- "Bear with one another" (Col 3:13).
- "Forgive as the Lord has forgiven you" (Col 3:13).
- "Over all these virtues put on love" (Col 3:14). Love covers us (see 1 Pt 4:8).
- "Christ's peace must reign in your hearts" (Col 3:15). Peace does not just rest on us but reigns in us.
- "Dedicate yourselves to thankfulness" (Col 3:15). Paul emphasized this commandment three times (Col 3:15,16,17).
- "Let the word of Christ, rich as it is, dwell in you" (Col 3:16). This will only happen if we obey God's Word and act on it (see Jas 1:21-22).
- "Instruct" one another (Col 3:16).
- "Admonish" one another (Col 3:16).
- "Whatever you do, whether in speech or in action, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Col 3:17).
We cannot obey these commandments by our power. However, because God has chosen to make us holy and to love us (Col 3:12), we can obey them all.
Prayer: Father, may doing Your will be my delight (Ps 40:9) and my food (Jn 4:34).
Promise: "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you; bless those who curse you and pray for those who maltreat you." —Lk 6:27-28
Praise: "We who call upon the name of Mary...may receive strength and comfort in all our needs" (Marian Sacramentary, Mass of the Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary).
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 4, 2013
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