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it is Christ in you, the hope for glory.
This is the fullness of the riches of the glory of the mystery of Christianity. Paul wants the Colossians to know it because he realizes that only by knowing it will the people by able to presented perfect in Christ.
For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out (see Romans 7:18).
Apart from Christ we struggle. We suffer but gain nothing thereby. We know we should become saints. In a sense we even desire it. But we can't see the reach that goal on our own. Paul knows the problem. Whenever he reflects on it he always reaches the same conclusion.
Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! (see Romans 7:24-25).
It is as if we are trying to do this work with a withered hand. Even the good things we try to grasp slip through our fingers. But Jesus works on us not only from the outside but also and especially from within. He makes our withered hands strong to build the kingdom.
Looking around at them all, he then said to him,
"Stretch out your hand."
He did so and his hand was restored.
Jesus within us transforms even our suffering so that it has meaning.
I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake,
and in my flesh I am filling up
what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ
on behalf of his Body, which is the Church,
Indeed our lives only find the fullness of their intended meaning and purpose when we experience Christ in us, the hope of glory. If our hand is withered today, if we find ourselves without the strength we need, let us know and welcome God's power within us. He is already inside by virtue of our baptisms. We need only know enough to invite him to act and to rely on him to do so.
Only in God be at rest, my soul,
for from him comes my hope.
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