In today’s First Reading Paul presents two lists that contrast the way in which we can live. One, where our baser passions are simply given free reign until they achieve their destructive logical conclusions, are the works of the flesh. It should sober us that many of the things Paul mentions in the list of works of the flesh are glamorized today, even admired. It’s no coincidence that at baptism we promise to reject the glamour of evil: indulging the flesh can be very attractive, but how many mornings after does it fill us with regret?
Not all passions are base or destructive, and a life guided by the Spirit helps us build on the better and nobler ones. If we consider the fruits of the Spirit we see an ideal that is worthy of admiration, something to which we can aspire in order to be a good friend or seek in order to find a good friend. The crucifixion we have to undergo is a process of deadening ourselves to the passions that would lead us to the works of the flesh. We’ll never completely deaden temptation in our earthly life, but we can reject it and the Spirit will help us.
Do a prayerful examination regarding both lists in today’s First Reading and ask the Spirit to help you start working toward the right one.
Readings: Galatians 5:18–25; Psalm 1:1–4, 6; Luke 11:42–46. See also 2nd Week of Lent, Tuesday; 28th Week in Ordinary Time, Wednesday; 21st Week in Ordinary Time, Tuesday and Wednesday; 20th Week in Ordinary Time, Saturday; and 9th Week in Ordinary Time, Saturday.
