The Colossians were being distracted by several philosophical movements which proposed that the universe was controlled by various angelic beings, 'principalities and powers,' who controlled not only the physical universe, but also historical forces. There were also Jewish influences that affected the thinking of the early Christians to focus on Jewish law and circumcision. Paul, in very strong language, insists that they focus exclusivelyonJesusChrist, and Him only, and on what He has accomplished through His death and resurrection. There is no need of complicated philosophical systems and going back to Jewish practices in order to attain our redemption. Christ has provided us Himself and completely paved the way to our salvation. By Baptism, we unite and root ourselves in Him, that share in the power of His resurrection to resist evil. Just as Jesus chose His twelve disciples and shared His power with them to heal and cure the needy on level ground, where everyone is able to be touched and gain closeness to Jesus and His chosen disciples. We too are empowered to engage the needy in our capacity at where they are encountered.

Every age proposes its own philosophies and intellectual and popular movements which exert an influence upon our Christian minds. Be very wary of any ideological movement that would distract us from the centrality of Christ and the Gospel that He preached! We must keep our eyes on the Lord and judge everything else in light of Him.