Woe or Wow

October 16, 2024 Wednesday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: Galatians 5:18-25; Luke 11:42-46

Today, we are reminded that salvation does not come from blindly adhering to human laws while neglecting God’s call to love. True discipleship requires a willingness to sacrifice the desires of the flesh.

The first reading urges us to follow the Spirit. But how do we follow the Spirit? How can we be sure we are doing so?
The first reading paints a picture of a life rooted in Christ, not limited by legalism but marked by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

The Gospel reinforces this by calling us to "touch the lives of others." The Christian life, then, is one of self-giving and sacrifice, not just for our own sake but for the sake of others.

It can imagine Jesus rebuking us today, much like He did the Pharisees, for creating laws that justify actions that the first reading calls enslaving. How can we know if we are enslaved by such laws?

The first reading lists the works of the flesh that contrast with the works of the Spirit: immorality, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfishness, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, and orgies. Are these not present in our world today?

Call to Action for Catholic Living: Amidst the prevalence of these works of the flesh and our enslavement to human laws, let us seek guidance and strength from the Spirit. Let today’s psalm be our heartfelt prayer: "Lord, let me follow you, that I may have the light of life."