By Lucy Johnson
“Christ is all and in all” ~ Colossians 3:11
Each year, the Holy Father requests monthly prayers for a specific intention. Last month, the prayer intention was for Mutual Coexistence: Let us pray that societies where coexistence seems more difficult might not succumb to the temptation of confrontation for ethnic, political, religious, or ideological reasons.
As a Professional Registered Parliamentarian (PRP), I help organization presidents achieve mutual coexistence among its members at meetings. The basic rules include: one person speaks while the others are listening. Opposing viewpoints are heard with speakers alternating for or against a particular motion. After all discussion, a vote is taken, and people come to a consensus. While a member might not get “their” way, the focus is on the great good of the organization.
Civil Discourse – Consensus – Coexistence
Today’s First Reading stresses consensus and coexistence. Saint Paul tells the Colossians that “here there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free man, but Christ is all, and in all.” In Jesus, we are not Jew or Greek, slave or free, Republican or Democrat, Packer fan or Viking fan. We are one in Christ, and we need to work toward mutual coexistence. How?
Basic Rules
Saint Paul provides basic rules by challenging the Colossians and us to “put to death what is earthy…. anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk. Do not lie to one another…” As the Holy Father’s intention suggests, avoid confrontation, work together. Put on a new nature…after the image of Christ (Col 3:10).
Mutual Understanding
If we set our minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth (Col 3:2), and we encourage others to do the same – especially those we disagree with, we can see the bigger picture – life everlasting with God in Heaven. Sharing this vision with others is a start to building mutual understanding, consensus, and coexistence.
Prayer:
Lord, help us to focus our lives around the goal of living with you forever in Heaven – all of us. For Christ is all, and in all.
Call to Action:
Read “The First Principle and Foundation,” written by St. Ignatius of Loyola, who taught that the goal of life is to live with God forever.
© 2025 WINE — All Rights Reserved
Perfect reflection to what happened to the great Charlie Kirk yesterday, by evil. He debated and spoke with liberal students and in a calm and respectable way, hopefully changed the minds of those who were misled.
Saint Paul provides basic rules by challenging the Colossians and us to “put to death what is earthy…. anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk. Do not lie to one another…”
Thank you, Lucy, for this perfectly timed article.