(the beloved Son)
who is the image
of the invisible god,
first-born of all creation
because in him everything was created:
all things in heaven and upon the earth,
visible things and invisible things whether
enthroned or
powers or
rulers or
authorities
all things through him and for him
have been created.
and he himself is before all things
and everything in him
holds together.
And he himself is the head
of his body, the church,
in that he is the beginning
the first-born from the dead people,
in order that he may become in all things, himself, first.
because
in him
all the fullness of God
was well pleased
to dwell
and through him
reconcile everything to Him (God),
making peace
through the blood of his cross-
whether things upon the earth
or things in the heavens.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is discord, union;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy,
For your mercy and for your truth’s sake. Amen