Eedara Vamshi csc –
Readings: Gal 5: 18-25; Lk 11: 42-46
Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the contrast between living by the flesh and living by the Spirit. In his letter to the Galatians, St. Paul highlights that following the desires of the flesh—immorality, jealousy, selfish ambition—leads to sin. But living by the Spirit produces the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness, which bring true freedom in Christ. The Psalm reinforces this by describing those who delight in God’s law as trees planted by water, bearing fruit in due time.
Righteousness comes from meditating on God’s word and aligning our lives with his will. In the gospel, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees and lawyers for their hypocrisy, burdening people with laws while neglecting justice and mercy. He calls us to lead by example, showing love and compassion rather than judgments.
Margaret Mary, who spread devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, reminds us that “the divine heart is an abyss of love in which the poor and afflicted are supported.” Her words remind us that to live by the Spirit is to embrace the Sacred Heart’s love and mercy, allowing it to transform us. Are we letting God’s love guide us, or are we caught in self-righteousness and judgment?
Like St. Margaret Mary, let us ask for the grace to live with hearts open to Christ’s love, reflecting his mercy and compassion to all.