Galatians 5:18-25,
Psalm 1 : 1-2.3.4 and 6,
Luke 11:42-46 Full Readings
Saint Callistus ILife in the Spirit
St Paul in the first reading encouraged us to live life in the spirit as compared to the flesh (not body). He gives the lists of virtues and vices which were common in the moralistic writings of the Hellenistic age, and the lists given here help significantly to explain what is meant by Paul’s frequent contrast between ‘flesh’ and ‘spirit’, or at least what is not meant. ‘Flesh’ is not necessarily the bodily element in the human personality, for this plays little part in idolatry, sorcery, quarrelling and other ‘works of the flesh’ listed here. Some have translated the word by ‘unspiritual nature’ (REB), others by ‘self-indulgence’ (NRSV), others by ‘natural inclinations’ (NJB). On the other hand, the virtues listed are all ‘spiritual’ in the sense of being the gift of the Spirit of God. It is tempting to understand ‘the flesh’ as being human nature unassisted by the Spirit of God, and possibly frail and disordered.
A further possibility is suggested by the statement that those led by the Spirit are not subject to the Law. This could imply that it is a matter of legislation: the Law is thought of as an external impetus or curb, while the Spirit is an internal impetus. The matter is complicated still more by Paul’s way (conscious or unconscious) of using words in several different ways, for instance ‘law’ as the moral law, God’s law, the Law of Judaism, or an observed way of behaviour. In any case, it all stresses the importance of the Spirit for tolerable human behaviour!
The gospel shows us the conflict between the Pharisees and teachers of law for they make laws and do not follow them now even suffer the burden they put on others. Jesus gives them a woe because by this way they are not living the life in the spirit but just external observance of the law.
The word woe can also be translated as alas. It is as much an expression of sorrowful pity as it is of anger. Why did Jesus lament and issue such a stern rebuke? Jesus was angry with the religious leaders because they failed to listen to God's word and they misled the people they were supposed to guide in the ways of God.
Brethren, God's commandments are rooted in his love and care for us. The scribes devoted their lives to the study of the Law of Moses and regarded themselves as legal experts in it. They divided the ten commandments and precepts into thousands of tiny rules and regulations. They were so exacting in their interpretations and in trying to live them out, that they had little time for anything else. By the time they finished compiling their interpretations it took no less than fifty volumes to contain them! In their misguided zeal, they required unnecessary and burdensome rules which obscured the more important matters of religion, such as love of God and love of neighbor. They were leading people to Pharisaism rather than to God.
They could not realize that law must be lived in Love. Love lifts the burdens of others. What was the point of Jesus' lesson? The essence of God's commandments is love - love of the supreme good - God himself and love of our neighbor who is made in the image and likeness of God. God is love (1 John 4:8) and everything he does flows from his love for us. God's love is unconditional and is wholly directed towards the good of others. True love both embraces and lifts the burdens of others. Paul the Apostle reminds us that "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given us" (Romans 5:5). Do you help your neighbors carry their burdens? God gives each of us sufficient grace for each day to love as he loves and to lift the burdens of others that they, too, may experience the grace and love of Jesus Christ.
Reflect today on which life you are living, life in the Spirit or life in the flesh. As God to always give you courage to move on.
Let us Pray.
Lord Jesus, inflame my heart with your love that I may always pursue what matters most - love of you, my Lord and my God, and love of my fellow neighbor whom you have made in your own image and likeness. Free my heart from selfish desires that I may only have room for kindness, mercy, and goodness toward every person I know and meet. Amen
Be blessed
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