The Word: "And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit." (see Galatians 5:18-25)
Mystery of the day: Sorrowful
Celebration of the day: Ferial
Table of the Word: I R.: Galatians 5:18-25
Resp. Psalm: Psalm 1:1-2.3.4 and 6 (R. see John 8:12) 1
Verse before the Gospel: John 10:27
Gospel: Luke 11:42-46
Inspiration:
The journey of every sound Christian ought to be founded on the Divine detects and ordinances. It is these virtues that give a push to a close relationship with God. The response to today's psalm reminded us that: "He who follows you, Lord, will have the light of life" (John 8:12)
This is indeed a sure reminder to be conscious of the fact that those who follow the way of Christ must be ready to crucify the flesh. That is why St. Paul in his epistle to the Galatians' Church says: "And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit." (see Galatians 5:18-25)
As believers, we have died to our old nature and its sinful desires through our union with Christ. Since we have new life in the Spirit, we must continually choose to walk in harmony with the Spirit's guidance.
However, there is often a clash between the flesh and the spirit; these contrasted works of the flesh: immorality, strife, envy etc. will be contrasted with the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace (Galatians 5:19-23).
By implication one needs to recognize his identity in Christ: That is to die to sin and be raised to a new life. There should be an act of surrendering to the Spirit's control: by daily submit to the Spirit's guidance.
On another part, one needs to walk in obedience, and to align actions with the promptings of the Spirit. It is through this that the fruits of the Spirit such as: love, joy peace etc. will ne cultivated.
Finally, Christ has instructed us to be attentive to the promptings of the Spirit by giving attention to the Word as He says: "My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; and I know them, and they follow me me." (John 10:27) It is in doing this, that we will confidently say we are walking in the Spirit.
Peace be with you!
Let us pray
Eternal Word, we thank You for the many blessings we receive from You. Grant that, Your grace may be sufficient to lead us to eternal truth which is You, in order to get rid of the fruits of the flesh. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.
© The ARCHIVE 16102024
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