The Letter to the Colossians

This letter also speaks about how to live as followers of Christ. It encourages kindness, patience, and forgiveness. It talks about family life, prayer, and how to treat others. Even though it is short, Colossians gives us many simple ways to live out our faith. It helps us stay centered on Christ, especially when the world pulls us in other directions.

The Letter to the Colossians was written by Saint Paul while he was in prison. Most people believe he wrote it in Rome, but it could have been another city. He was writing to a group of Christians he had never met. A man named Epaphras started the church in Colossae and told Paul about the problems there.

Colossae was a small town in the Roman Empire. People there followed many different beliefs. Some mixed Jewish laws with local traditions. Others followed strange spiritual practices. This caused confusion for the new Christians. Paul wrote to help clear things up.

Paul wanted the people to know that Christ is enough. They did not need extra rules or secret ideas. Some people were teaching things that sounded holy but pulled people away from Jesus. Paul reminded them to hold tight to the message they first received.

The Catholic Church sees this letter as an important part of the Bible. It shows how early Christians stayed strong in their faith. Even today, Colossians reminds us to focus on Jesus, especially when we hear confusing or mixed-up messages.

Colossians is written like a letter, just like many of Paul’s other writings. It has a greeting at the beginning, a message in the middle, and a closing at the end. Paul uses simple ideas to teach big truths. He repeats key points so they are easy to remember.

One part of the letter is written like a hymn. It praises Jesus as the image of the unseen God. This shows how important Jesus is. Paul uses short phrases and strong words to help the readers understand that Jesus is at the center of everything.

The letter also has lists. Paul often lists things to do and things to avoid. He talks about old ways to leave behind and new ways to live in Christ. These lists help readers know how to follow Jesus in daily life.

The style of Colossians is clear and to the point. It teaches faith in Christ, warns against false ideas, and gives simple advice for living as Christians. It is meant to be read by regular people, not just leaders or scholars.

The Letter to the Colossians shares many themes that are important to the Catholic faith. Paul wanted the people to stay close to Jesus and live in a way that shows they follow him.

Here are some of the main themes:

• Jesus is above all things. He is the image of the invisible God. Everything was made through him and for him.
• Christ is the head of the Church. The Church is his Body. We are joined to him through faith and baptism.
• We are made new in Christ. We leave behind our old sins and try to live like Jesus every day.
• Paul warns against false teachings. Some people were adding extra rules that were not from Christ.
• We are called to live in love. Paul teaches about patience, kindness, forgiveness, and peace.
• Family and community matter. Paul gives simple advice for how to treat others at home and in church.

These themes show how faith in Jesus shapes everything we do. As Catholics, we believe Christ is still the center of our lives and our Church. Colossians helps us remember that.

The Letter to the Colossians is short, but it is full of meaning. It has four chapters. Each part has a purpose. Paul moves from teaching about Jesus to giving advice for daily life.

Here is a simple way to break it down:

• Colossians 1:1–14 – Greeting and prayer. Paul thanks God for the faith of the people in Colossae. He prays they grow in wisdom and strength.
• Colossians 1:15–23 – Who Jesus is. This part may have been an early Christian hymn. It shows Jesus as the center of all creation.
• Colossians 1:24–2:5 – Paul’s mission. Paul talks about his work for the Church and his care for the Colossians.
• Colossians 2:6–23 – Stay true to Christ. Paul warns against false teachings and useless rules. Christ alone is enough.
• Colossians 3:1–17 – Live a new life. Paul explains how to live like someone who belongs to Christ.
• Colossians 3:18–4:6 – Family and community life. Paul gives guidance for families and how to treat others with respect.
• Colossians 4:7–18 – Final greetings. Paul ends with personal notes and blessings.

Each section builds on the last. Together they help us know Jesus better and live as faithful members of his Church.

Colossians may be an old letter, but it still speaks to us now. The world today is full of noise and mixed-up ideas. Some people say you need special knowledge or extra steps to find meaning. Colossians reminds us that Jesus is enough.

This letter helps us stay focused. It tells us not to get distracted by rules that do not come from Christ. It teaches us to live with kindness, patience, and love. These are things the world still needs.

Family life and community are also part of the message. Paul gives simple advice that still works. Respect each other. Forgive. Pray. Be thankful. These are small things, but they make a big difference.

The Church still reads this letter today because it helps us stay strong in faith. It reminds us who Jesus is and how we should live. In every time and place, that message stays the same.

Parts of Colossians are read during Mass in the Roman Catholic Church. It is not read all at once. Instead, short sections are used on different days during the year. These readings remind us of key truths about Jesus and how we should live.

Colossians is read during Ordinary Time on some Sundays. For example, Colossians 1:15–20 is used on the Feast of Christ the King in Year C. This part talks about how Jesus is the firstborn of all creation and the head of the Church.

Other parts of Colossians appear on weekdays and during special feast days. Colossians 3:12–17 is often read at weddings or during Christmas season. It talks about kindness, patience, and love—things every family needs.

When we hear Colossians at Mass, it helps us remember that Christ is at the center of our lives. The message is short and clear. Stay rooted in Jesus. Love one another. Keep growing in faith. Click on a link below for resources related to a specific reading

The Solemnity of Christ the King Year C

Christ at the Center of Everything

In Colossians 1:12-20, Saint Paul reminds us to give thanks to God for bringing us into the light. He tells us that we have been rescued from darkness and now belong to the kingdom of Jesus. Through Jesus, we are forgiven and made new.

Paul then shares who Jesus really is. He says Jesus was present before anything else existed. Everything was created through him. Jesus holds everything together. He is the head of the Church and the first to rise from the dead. Through him, God made peace with all things. This passage helps us see how great Christ is and why we should trust and follow him.

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

All Things Come Through Christ

In Colossians 1:15-20, Saint Paul explains who Jesus is and why he matters. Jesus shows us who God is. He was there before anything else was made. Everything in heaven and on earth was created through him and for him.

Jesus is also the head of the Church. He rose from the dead so he could lead us to new life. God chose to be fully present in him. Through Jesus, all things are brought back into peace—both in heaven and on earth. This reading reminds us that Jesus is at the center of all creation and of our faith.

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Serving Christ with Joy

In Colossians 1:24-28, Paul talks about his own suffering. He says he accepts it gladly because it helps build up the Church. He sees his work as part of sharing in Christ’s mission. Paul knows his job is to serve others and teach them about Jesus.

Paul also speaks about a mystery that was hidden for a long time but is now revealed. This mystery is Christ living in us. Paul works hard to help everyone grow in faith. He wants all people to know Jesus and become mature in their faith.

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

New Life in Christ

In Colossians 2:12-14, Paul reminds us that we were buried with Christ in baptism. Just as he rose from the dead, we are raised with him through faith. This new life comes from God, who brings us back even when we were stuck in sin.

Paul says that Jesus took away the burden of our sins. The record of our wrongs was wiped clean. He did this by nailing it to the cross. Because of this, we are no longer trapped by guilt or shame. We are free to live as children of God.

Easter Sunday: The Resurrection of the Lord

Keep Your Eyes on Heaven

In Colossians 3:1-4, Paul tells us to focus on things above, not on things of the earth. Since we have been raised with Christ, our lives should point toward heaven. Our hearts should stay with Jesus, who is seated at God’s right hand.

Paul reminds us that our true life is hidden with Christ. One day, when Christ returns, we will appear with him in glory. This gives us hope and helps us stay faithful, even when life is hard.

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Out with the Old, In with the New

In Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11, Paul reminds us to focus on heaven because we now belong to Christ. Since we have been raised with him, we must let go of sinful habits. This includes things like greed, impurity, and anger. These ways belong to our old life.

Paul tells us to stop lying and live honestly. We are now being made new in the image of Christ. In this new life, it does not matter where we come from or who we were before. Christ is all that matters, and he is in everyone.

The Feast of the Holy Family

Living with Love at Home and in the Church

In Colossians 3:12-22, Paul tells us to show kindness, patience, and forgiveness. We are chosen by God, so we must love one another and stay united in peace. He says to let the message of Christ guide our hearts and actions. Gratitude should fill our lives.

Paul also gives advice for family life. He speaks to wives, husbands, children, and parents. Each person is called to show love and respect. Paul reminds everyone to live in a way that honors the Lord, both at home and in the community.

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We also hear from Colossians at some of the weekday Masses:

• Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time I – Colossians 1:1-8: Greeting and Thanksgiving
• Thursday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time I – Colossians 1:9-14: Pray for Spiritual Growth
• Friday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time I –  Colossians 1:15-20: The Image of God
• Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time I –  Colossians 1:21-23: Staying Grounded in Faith
• Monday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time I – Colossians 1:24–2:3: Christ in You, the Hope of Glory
• Tuesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time I – Colossians 2:6-15: Walking in Christ
• Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time I –  Colossians 3:1-11: Seek What Is Above

Christ Holds Everything Together

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about the Letter to the Colossians, chapters 1 and 2. He points out how St. Paul shows that Jesus is above all things. Christ is the one through whom everything was made. He says Jesus holds everything together and is the head of the Church.

Fr. Mike highlights Colossians 1:24. St. Paul says he rejoices in his sufferings and offers them for the Church. Fr. Mike explains that Christ’s suffering was enough to save us, but God lets us share in it. We can offer our pain to help others.

He says Pope John Paul II also taught that we can take part in Christ’s mission this way. Jesus gives us a small piece of his cross to carry. When we suffer with Jesus, it has meaning and purpose.

Fr. Mike ends by reminding us that when we are in pain, we can ask Jesus to use it for good. We can ask him to use it for the Church and for the world.

We Belong to Each Other

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on the Letter to the Colossians, chapters 3 and 4. He points out how St. Paul reminds us that we are called to live new lives in Christ. That means setting aside sin and putting on love, peace, and thankfulness. Fr. Mike says we should do everything in the name of Jesus.

He talks about the rules for Christian households. Fr. Mike remembers hearing these verses as a kid at Mass. He laughs about how his dad looked at him during “Children, obey your parents.” But he also notes how Paul tells fathers not to provoke their children. Each person in the family has a role, and they all belong to each other.

Fr. Mike connects this idea to something Mother Teresa once said—if we have no peace, it’s because we forget we belong to one another. Wives belong to their husbands, husbands to their wives, parents to children, and children to their parents. This shared belonging builds peace and love.

At the end of Colossians, Fr. Mike points out how Paul asks for prayer. He encourages us to pray for each other with gratitude. Fr. Mike says these words from Paul are key for Christian living, and we should hold them in our hearts.

The Bible

If you want to learn more about the Bible, check out this guide at Young Catholics. It explains what the Bible is, why it matters, and how it can shape our faith. The language is clear and easy to read. The guide gives ideas for prayer and study.

This resource can help you fall in love with Scripture. It shows where to start and how to keep going. If you want to dig deeper into the Word of God, this is a good place to begin. Visit our page on the Bible to learn more and grow in your understanding.

Who wrote the Letter to the Colossians?

Saint Paul wrote it while he was in prison. Some think he may have used a helper to write it down.

Who were the Colossians?

They were a group of Christians living in Colossae, a small city in what is now Turkey.

Why did Paul write this letter?

He wrote to help the people stay true to Jesus. Some were being confused by false teachings.

What is the main message of Colossians?

The main message is that Jesus is enough. He is the center of our faith and the head of the Church.

Is Colossians used at Mass?

Yes. Parts of it are read during Sunday Mass and on some feast days, like Christ the King.

What does Colossians teach us today?

It reminds us to stay focused on Christ, live with love, and not get lost in confusing ideas.

The Letter to the Colossians was written by Saint Paul while he was in prison. He had not visited Colossae himself, but he had heard about the people there from a man named Epaphras. Paul wanted to encourage them and help them stay strong in their faith.

Some people in Colossae were teaching things that were not part of the gospel. They were adding extra rules and mixing in strange ideas. Paul reminded the Colossians to keep their focus on Jesus. He told them that Christ is above all things and that we don’t need anything else to be saved.

Paul also gave practical advice. He told the people how to treat each other—with kindness, patience, and forgiveness. He spoke about how to live in families and communities. This letter helps us see how faith in Jesus should shape the way we live every day.

Even now, Colossians teaches us how to stay true to our faith. It reminds us that Christ is the head of the Church and the center of our lives. When the world gets noisy or confusing, this letter brings us back to what really matters.

Take some time this week to read the Letter to the Colossians. It’s only four chapters long, but it gives clear advice for living as a follower of Jesus. You can read it in one sitting or just a little at a time.

After you read it, come back and share your thoughts in the comments. What part stood out to you? Did anything surprise you or speak to your life today? We’d love to hear how this letter speaks to you now.