He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation: for by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or rulers, or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also the head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

-- Colossians 1:15–20

Reflection
April 1971, I reported to Army Basic Training, Fort Campbell KY, and for 16 weeks, I was separated from my wife, family, friends and a life I had known for the past 25 years. I was alone, intimidated, and estranged from God and a life of caring and love. Although I had grown up in a church centered family, I was pulled out of that life into a world of conflict, degradation, and hopelessness, challenging my faith.

Selected as a platoon leader along with three other college grads, we formed a special bond lead by a seasoned drill sergeant who enabled us to realize our potential to lead this rabble of young boys from north and south into a cohesive and focused platoon of men. Sustained by my belief in God, I proudly conquered our training journey with a renewed faith, reservist returning to loved ones and the remaining continuing to Vietnam.

Like the Colossians, challenged on their journey to pursue their faith in God thru Jesus teachings, Paul came to provide leadership and a guide to engage God thru his son, Jesus Christ. They were being guided to a new life, a way of living with peace, love, and fulfillment thru Christ, as he had shed his blood for the forgiveness of sin, offering them eternal life with God.

-- Doug Shuck

Prayer
Lord Jesus, you hold all things together. Hold us together this day. Draw us closer to you so that our proximity to you brings us closer to each other until we experience fully the reconciliation won for us on the cross. Amen.