Brothers and sisters: If you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. (Colossians 3:1-2)

St. Paul gives us a wonderful spiritual exercise in Colossians 3. It calls “Empty to Be Filled Up.” The simple truth (rule) is If you fill your life with earthly stuffs, you will have no room for what is above. Try it and see how it works!

First Step: 

You have to empty yourself by putting to death of what is earthly. As St. Paul said, “Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and the greed that is idolatry. Because of these the wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient. By these you too once conducted yourselves, when you lived in that way. But now you must put them all away: anger, fury, malice, slander, and obscene language out of your mouths.  Stop lying to one another,” (Colossians 3:5-9)

Second Step: 

You fill you heart by putting on what is holy. As St. Paul said, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.  (Colossians 3:12-16)

St. Mother Theresa said, “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” If you fill your mind with impure thoughts, you have no time for God, for things that is holy and pure. “No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon,” said Jesus. (Luke 16:13)

“And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

O my God, with Your Love You make my life sweet. Cause me to regard as bitter all carnal pleasures that would lure me away from the desire for eternal rewards and cause me to seek after earthly delights.

Do not allow flesh and blood to prevail over me, my God, nor let me be overcome by the world and its momentary glory. Do not permit the devil to ensnare me through his cunning. Grant me the strength to resist his temptations, the patience to endure all tribulations, and the steadfastness to persevere in Your Love.

Instead of worldly comforts, grant me the sweet anointing of Your Holy Spirit, and in place of carnal love fill my heart with the love of Your Holy Name. (Imitation of Christ, Bk. Ill, Ch. 26:3)

Get some exercise, get happier!

Peace in Christ,

Father Vincent Vuong Nguyen