Readings: Galatians 5:18-25, Ps. 1:1-4,6, Luke 11:42-46
“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.” (Galatians 5:24-25)
To belong to Christ is not simply a question of attending Sunday services; to belong to Christ, as St. Paul tells the Galatians, is to crucify one’s flesh with its passions and desires. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. These holier-than-thou leaders were so concerned with maintaining public respect that they forgot about cleansing the inside of the cup—that is, they forgot to cleanse their hearts.
- Jesus calls them “unmarked graves, on which people walk over without realising it” (Luke 11:44). What makes a person an unmarked grave? St. Paul answers this question in today’s first reading by listing these characteristics: “fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension, party spirit, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like.” (Galatians 5:19-21). By ending with “and the like”, St. Paul indicates that this list is not exhaustive.
- St. Paul summarises these evils as “works of the flesh” because they represent our natural human tendencies. We do not need to struggle to do them. Like eating and talking, they are part of us. The works of the flesh are part of the broad, easy and wide way, and those who enter by it end up in destruction. (cf. Matthew 7:13).
- An adage goes thus: “The insect that destroys the leaf lives inside the leaf.” In other words, we take out the insect (crucify the flesh and its passions) or allow it to destroy the plant. We either cleanse the inside of the cup (discipline ourselves to live by the Spirit) or pretend like the Pharisees, making everyone believe we are good while allowing the insect to destroy us from within.
- Let us illustrate with the sin of fornication. Today, our society considers it normal for every consenting adult. It has many beautiful names (such as knack, wipe, chop, etc). For many, it is a business (a billion-dollar industry). There is hardly any post today on social media that doesn’t insinuate viewers to have sex by any means possible.
- You might not like to hear this, but the truth is that having sex with anybody who is not your wife or husband destroys you physically and spiritually. It feels pleasurable, but it is a slow poison. Your body is not yours but a temple of the Holy Spirit. St. Paul says: “I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:21).
- Is it easy to crucify the flesh? No. While attempting to grow spiritually, you will face all kinds of temptations and discouragement from your friends, family members and the larger society. You may fear that your abstinence will kill you. Jesus told us that those who desire to follow Him must deny themselves, take up their cross and follow his steps. (Cf. Matthew 16:24). Forming new habits (breaking old cycles) is not easy, but know this: You will never succeed if you give up. If you put their hands on the plough, never look back; keep trying until you receive the crown of glory. (cf. Luke 9:62). Do not attempt to live a double life; it is not about looking good. Be good.
- Starve your flesh and feed your spirit. As St. Paul says, “Be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” (Romans 12:2). Surround yourself with good books, holy pictures, videos and other sound materials. Filter your social media consumption. Partake in spiritual activities, spend more time in prayer, bible study, and daily meditation. Fast from whatever leads you away from God. You will know when you are progressing if your life radiates these virtues: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23).
- Are there any benefits to crucifying the flesh and its desires? Today’s responsorial psalm answers this question: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers, but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law, he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so but are like chaff which the wind drives away.” (Psalm 1:1-4)
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, cleanse us from the inside out that we may live by the Spirit and not by the impulses of our flesh. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Wednesday of week 28 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Galatians 5:18-25, Ps. 1:1-4,6, Luke 11:42-46).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu