Sunday, April 8, 2012

Mediation of Christ’s Humanity

Christ taking on human flesh is not incidental to the economy of salvation. It was not just a way of speaking to us, but it is through his humanity that He communicates grace and merits His resurrection and ours as well.

"If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God." (Colossians 3:1)

We are raised with Christ. What God has done for Jesus Christ, He has accomplished in us through our baptism, in which the seeds of divine life (faith, hope, and charity) were planted in us. This new life is what enables us to "seek what is above." Faith enables us to know the Father as Christ knows the Father. Hope enables us to participate in Christ's own trust in the Father's goodness, and charity enables us to love the Father as Christ loves the Father. Truly we can seek what is above in a transformed, supernatural way!

"Think of what is above, not of what is on earth." (Colossians 3:2)

For this reason, the Apostles directs us to look to Heaven! Focus on the supernatural life and not our earthly trials. The Lord Jesus could suffer and die on the Cross because His mind was filled with the victory to be won and the promise of glory. We also should be focused with hope on the eternal reward and the promise that all things work for the good of the one who loves the Lord.

For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:3)

This is to say, that it is Christ's own life, His divine life which courses through you, for you are intimately hidden with Him! Let yourself be like a grain of wheat who dies so that you may bear much fruit. Let yourself die, so that Christ may live in you. When the Father sees you so hidden in Christ Jesus, He will look on you with love for He will see His own true Son! He will see a man humble. A man willing to go to confession regularly. A woman who builds up her friends, not gossiping and slandering. A man who combats impure thoughts. A child obedient to his Father and mother. A woman who does not boast of her sanctity but who cries out: have mercy on me Lord in your kindness!

"When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory." (Colossians 3:4)

Indeed, Christ is your life now. We have been brought together to form His body. He directs our lives and animates us with His Holy Spirit. This transformed life turns our measly human actions into divine actions. While our natural actions could never merit eternal life, our supernatural acts merit eternal beatitude. Let Christ Jesus reign in your life, "then you too will appear with him in glory."

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