Living by the Spirit
Galatians 5:18-25; Psalm 1; Luke 11:42-46
Paul tells us today that “those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions.” Those who belong to Christ are those who have been baptized. Though baptized, they however exist in human flesh which yearns for comfort and pleasure, and all too frequently give in to temptations and sin. To crucify the flesh therefore is to tame these yearnings.
Taming the flesh demands training, faith, discipline and the power of the Holy spirit. Galatians 5:16-25 says “walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” Romans 8:13 says “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live”.
In the gospel the Pharisees were always in the temple but living according to the flesh. They emphasized religious rites but neglected justice and the love of God. They represent all those who are using religious gatherings to fulfill their worldly appetite. Beloved, if we must grow in this kingdom we must die to the flesh. We must say like St. Paul “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20)
LET US PRAY
Father, fill us with the Holy Spirit. Help us to conquer the deeds of the flesh and give us the grace to do your will through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!
