Today's first reading is God's marriage blessing.

Thursday, 9/12/13

There are many versions of the Bible, and each of us has favorites, not only in regard to the whole Bible text, but also in the way individual passages are presented to us. 

Today’s first reading from Paul’s Letter to the Colossians opens with,

 “Brothers and sisters; Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, etc.

I am used to a version which is perfect for a wedding. It reads like this:

BECAUSE YOU ARE GOD’S CHOSEN ONES, HOLY AND BELOVED, CLOTHE YOURSELVES WITH HEARTFELT COMPASSION, KINDNESS, HUMILITY, GENTLENESS, AND PATIENCE.   

Put that way, the couple are standing before God the Father, who is commissioning them to supply him with a new family, one that he will accompany through all their years.