On Sunday within the Octave of Easter our Church invites us to first read and reflect on a passage from the first letter of the apostle Paul to the Colossians (3:1-17) entitled "Your new life in Christ". Our treasure, which follows, is from a sermon by Saint Augustine, bishop.
Saint Augustine was born at Tagaste in Africa in 354. He was unsettled and restlessly searched for the truth until he was converted to the faith in Milan and baptized by Ambrose. Returning to his homeland, he embraced an ascetic life and subsequently was elected bishop of Hippo. For thirty-four years he guided his flock, instructing it with sermons and many writings.
Saint Augustine is perhaps the most significant Christian thinker after St. Paul. He adapted Classical teaching and created a powerful theological system of lasting influence. He also shaped the practice of biblical exegesis and helped lay the foundation for much of medieval and modern Christian thought.
Saint Augustine of Hippo made his primary contribution to the teachings of the Catholic Church by deeply explaining the relationship between God's grace and human salvation. In response to errors such as Pelagianism, he taught that humanity, wounded by sin, cannot save itself but is restored through the grace of God working within us. Augustine clarified the Church's understanding of original sin, divine grace, and the need for God's initiative in conversion, while also shaping Christian thought on the Trinity, the Church, and the inner life of the soul. His writings—especially the Confessions and The City of God—became foundational for Western Christian theology and continue to guide the Church's understanding of sin, grace, and redemption.
He fought bravely against the errors of his time and explained the Faith carefully and cogently through his writings. He is a preeminent Catholic Doctor of the Church. His most important teachings shape not only Western theology but the entire intellectual tradition of the Church. His thought deeply influenced later figures such as Saint Thomas Aquinas and remains foundational in Catholic doctrine. He died in 430.
Saint Paul's letter is addressed to a congregation at Colossae in the Lycus Valley in Asia Minor, east of Ephesus. At the time of writing, Paul had not visited there, the letter says. The community had apparently been established by Epaphras of Colossae. Problems, however, had arisen, brought on by teachers who emphasized Christ's relation to the universe (cosmos). Their teachings stressed angels; "principalities and powers", which related to astral powers and cultic practices and rules about food and drink and ascetical disciplines. These teachings, Paul insists, detract from the person and work of Christ for salvation as set forth magnificently in a hymnic passage and reiterated throughout the letter. Such teachings are but "shadows"; Christ is "reality".
The principal message of the Epistle to the Colossians is that Jesus Christ is supreme over all creation and the source of our complete salvation, and therefore believers must live fully united to Him.
The letter emphasizes that:
· Christ is preeminent—He is the image of the invisible God, through whom and for whom all things were created, and the head of the Church.
· Fullness is found in Christ alone—believers do not need additional spiritual systems or practices to be saved.
· Union with Christ transforms life—through His death and resurrection, Christians die to sin and are raised to a new way of living.
· This new life must be visible—expressed in holiness, charity, humility, and right relationships.
In essence, the message is that since Christ is Lord of all and dwells in believers, they are called to center their entire lives on Him and live accordingly in holiness and love.
