Weekly Reflections to Help Bridge the Chasm

Between Heaven and Earth

The reflection I offer today, "Between Heaven and Earth", is based Colossians 3:1-4 and various writings of Saint Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, Teacher of the Faith, 397.
 
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
(Col 3:1-4 ESV)
 
In the midst of Paradise God has planted two trees; the Tree of Life and the Tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  Therefore, in the middle of Paradise there is both a cause for the life and a cause for death.  The Apostle Paul is reminding us that Jesus is our cause for life.  During our Lenten journey, as we re-center our focus on following the precepts of God, let us find the new life mentioned by the Apostle.  And as the dust of Ash Wednesday fades, let us remember that our life on earth is but a shadow.  When Christ who is our life appears, then the shadow will be lifted.  Instead of ash on our foreheads there will be the name of Jesus.  As it says in Revelation 22:3-5, “No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.” Reflect on unburdening ourselves from the world.  Let us set our minds on things above, on Christ and heavenly things.  By doing this we will find the treasure we seek, the treasure of new life hidden in Christ.

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