28TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit. 

Freedom—it’s a theme that Paul takes up often, and it’s also something he is passionate about. He tells the Galatians that they are free from having to abide by the Jewish requirements of circumcision (Galatians 5:2-6). And furthermore, they have been set free from slavery to “the works of the flesh” (5:19). Why? Because through Christ, they have been baptized into the freedom of a life in the Holy Spirit. Through this great sacrament, they “have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires” (5:24).

This is true for all of us. We have all been baptized and received the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, though, we are still quite familiar with the sins Paul lists in today’s reading. We are all works in progress. We all have areas where we feel “stuck” and can’t seem to make headway, even when we try our hardest.

But Paul has a better solution than trying even harder: be “guided by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:18). The more we get in touch with the Spirit and learn to follow his guidance, the more we will experience freedom in Christ. Over time, the Spirit will transform our desires so that we can live in a way that produces joy, peace, and generosity. As we call on the Spirit and try to follow his promptings, our attraction to the works of the flesh will diminish. This is what St. Augustine meant when he said, “Love God and do what you will.”

Of course, we will still stumble and fall at times. But God “does not ration his gift of the Spirit” (John 3:34). We can ask the Holy Spirit to fill us with his love and grace every day, especially in the moments when we are feeling the most tempted. He will never run out of grace; he will never tire of helping us.

God has given you his Spirit because he wants you to experience ever-deepening freedom. The Spirit’s delight is to empower you to bear good fruit. This promise is real. Take hold of the gift God offers you. Let the Spirit be your guide, today and always.

“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of your love.”

Galatians 5:18-25
Psalm 1:1-4, 6
Luke 11:42-46