There are many good things that we do out of habit or ritually like praying the rosary or set prayers from a beloved prayer book which is all good; but if it does not change us to be more loving towards others or to be more Christlike, to bring His peace love and joy, then are we truly living life in the Spirit as we are called to?
Are we only concerned about how others see us? That we must be seen to pray most piously when looked upon? Or to offer loud ostentatious greetings in Church or in other similar settings? Nay! For what comes from within through Christ Jesus our Lord is far better than anything we can see with our eyes or hear. Such as the beautiful glow about a sister and brother in Christ so in love with our Lord. Or when we hear him or her speak, it is as though Jesus is speaking to our hearts. This is what we must strive for! This is what we must bring into the world! Then we will indeed see His glory working through us all to bring gather all that have been scattered and living in darkness.
Lord make me a channel of Your peace in the world. Amen
Saint John XXIII, Pope pray for us…
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First reading
Galatians 5:1-6 ·
It is faith, not the Law, that justifies us
When Christ freed us, he meant us to remain free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery. It is I, Paul, who tell you this: if you allow yourselves to be circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you at all. With all solemnity I repeat my warning: Everyone who accepts circumcision is obliged to keep the whole Law. But if you do look to the Law to make you justified, then you have separated yourselves from Christ, and have fallen from grace. Christians are told by the Spirit to look to faith for those rewards that righteousness hopes for, since in Christ Jesus whether you are circumcised or not makes no difference – what matters is faith that makes its power felt through love.
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Gospel
Luke 11:37-41
Give thanks for what you have and it will all be clean
Jesus had just finished speaking when a Pharisee invited him to dine at his house. He went in and sat down at the table. The Pharisee saw this and was surprised that he had not first washed before the meal. But the Lord said to him, ‘Oh, you Pharisees! You clean the outside of cup and plate, while inside yourselves you are filled with extortion and wickedness. Fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside too? Instead, give alms from what you have and then indeed everything will be clean for you.’
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