Today’s other readings are Psalm 98 and Luke 5: 1-11
When people ask me to pray for them, it is usually for a specific item or cause such as impending surgery, or a relative or friend who is sick.
St. Paul also prayed for people. But in our 1st reading Paul is not praying for an individual who has a specific need or concern, but for an entire community of people, in this case the Christian community of Colossae, a small city in what was known as Asia Minor, now known as Turkey.
As he begins his letter to the Colossians, it is apparent that this is a community that he has not yet visited. But my, what he has heard of them! That they are living “lives in Christ”, filed with faith as we heard in yesterday’s first reading.
Hence, he praises them, he encourages them and gently reminds them that they will have to endure many things in their faith. But armed with strength, filled with the knowledge of God’s will and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, they will do well.
This sounds like a great prayer for every priest, including me, to say for his community. And I will do so today.