Even today newborn Jewish males are initiated into their faith not just through their lineage, but through a ceremony of circumcision. Because of this ancient Jewish practice those who wanted to practice Judaism, even as adults, were required in Paul’s time to be circumcised. Paul is warning the Galatians in today’s First Reading that if they decide to embrace Jewish practices they are turning their backs on who’ll really benefit them spiritually: Our Lord.
Even today people sometimes choose to mix and match religion. Commitment is a foundation for belief. With circumcision the Galatians are committing to something other than Christianity, and by doing so, as Paul warns them, they are shutting themselves out of Christ’s life if they choose to do so.
Mix and match religion just leads us in circles. Let’s commit ourselves to Christ and the path he invites us to follow.
Readings: Galatians 5:1–6; Psalm 119:41, 43–45, 47–48; Luke 11:37–41. See also 28th Week in Ordinary Time, Tuesday.