Things visible and invisible

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One In Christ

Choir of Royal Holloway, Rupert Gough

Today is Friday the 5th of September, in the 22nd week of Ordinary Time.

The Choir of Royal Holloway sings, ‘One in Christ’.

When we were still far off you met us in your Son and brought us home.

Dying and living you declared your love and opened the gate of glory.

4:16

Today’s reading is from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Colossians.

Colossians 1:15-20

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.

5:43

Shelter

Roary

Paul encourages the Colossians to grasp the mystery, immensity and universal reconciling nature of Christ, the image of the invisible God. Which words or phrases in this passage are you most drawn to? What invitation, reassurance or challenge might God want to say to you through these words? How do you find yourself wanting to respond to this word from God?

“Through Jesus, God was pleased to reconcile all things.” Where in your own life do you long for reconciliation — within yourself, with others, or with God? Bring these places into Christ’s presence, trusting His desire to restore.

As you listen to the passage again, let your imagination expand — seeing Christ as the centre and sustainer of all creation. Rest in the mystery and vastness of His love.

8:53

Colossians 1:15-20

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.

10:06

As you bring your prayers to a conclusion, give thanks for the gift of peace.

12:13

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen