First Sunday After Christmas

Jesus Among the Doctors
David Teniers, 1656

My dear friends,

Today, we gather to reflect on the teachings of Paul in Colossians 3:12-17, a text which encourages us to embrace virtues that transcend the boundaries of individual religions, uniting us in our shared humanity.

As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved,
clothe yourselves with compassion,
kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.

These virtues are not exclusive to Christianity; they are universal. In Buddhism, we find the parallel teachings of the Six Perfections: generosity, ethical discipline, patience, enthusiastic effort, meditative concentration, and wisdom.

In essence, both traditions urge us towards the same noble qualities. The instruction to "clothe" oneself in these virtues implies not a mere outer display, but rather a deep integration into our very being. These virtues should be as close to us as the clothes on our bodies, coloring our actions, thoughts, and words.

Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other;
just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Paul asks us to forgive freely, as the Lord forgave us. Releasing ill-will and grudges is a pathway to peace. By forgiving others, we free not only them, but also ourselves, from the heavy chains of resentment. Therein lies true liberation.

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

Tibetans speak of Tsewa, a love mixed with compassion, a deep, selfless love for others that transcends personal interest. Because all beings are interconnected in a vast web of cause and effect (kamma-vipaka in the Pali language of early Buddhist scripture), this kind of love leads to unity, peace, and harmony.

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body.
And be thankful.

To attain peace in the world, we must first cultivate peace within ourselves, for how can we spread peace in the world if we are at war within ourselves? We must be thankful that we have the means at hand to attain inner peace through mindfulness and meditation, and to extend this peace into the world through wise action informed by love, compassion and wisdom.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly;
teach and admonish one another in all wisdom;
and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.

Our words should be true, necessary, kind, and spoken at the right time. Our speech should mirror the divine love, compassion and wisdom that reside within us.

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.

We should be mindful and grateful in all our actions. We should walk, talk, eat, and even breathe with mindfulness, knowing that each moment, each breath, is a precious gift.

So today, as we stand on the brink of a new year, let us take these teachings to heart. Let us strive to clothe ourselves in compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Let us forgive, love, and bring peace. Let us live our lives with mindfulness and gratitude, no matter our faith or belief. For these are not just Christian or Buddhist teachings, but universal truths leading us to a life of fulfillment, harmony, and peace.