Freedom in the Spirit is different from freedom in the flesh (HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE 28TH WEEK IN THE ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II

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HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE 28th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II

Gal.5:18-25; Ps.1; Luke 11:42-46

St. Paul in his letter to the Galatians made a point of priority the discourse on the freedom which Jesus Christ won for all on the Cross of Cavalry. Freedom from the yoke of slavery, sin and evil into becoming free born sons and daughters of God.

This teaching on freedom was misinterpreted by many Galatians so much so that many of them felt that it was freedom to do whatever they like.  However, in the first reading of today, St. Paul instructs the Galatians on how to determine the two kinds of Freedom. Freedom in the Spirit is different from freedom in the flesh. To act freely in the flesh means to be governed by the desires of the flesh. To act freely in the Spirit means to be determined to please God. 

The outcome of the Freedom in the flesh are: fornication, gross indecency, sexual irresponsibility, idolatry and society, feuds and wrangling, jealousy, bad temper and quarrel, disagreement, faction and envy, drunkenness etc

However, for those led in the freedom of the spirit of God are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness trustfullness, gentleness and self-control. These are those who have crucified their self-indulgent passion and desires.

St. Paul concludes that those who are led in freedom by the spirit of God shall inherit the kingdom of God whereas those led in freedom of the flesh shall never inherit the kingdom of God.

In the Gospel reading, Jesus chastised the Scribes and the Pharisees for their act of pretence and hypocrisy. He used the word “woe” to them – a word which implies condemnation. Jesus compared them to grave or tombs because externally they appear beautiful but internally they are corrupt and evil. They undermine the weightier matters of justice and the love of God and prioritise external shows to win men's recommendations.

Dearest brothers and sister in Christ, we must be careful of the pharisaic attitude of pretence, hypocrisy and abandonment of the priorities of the kingdom of God (virtues of love and justice) as Christian, and busy ourselves with things of lesser values.

We pray that through the intercession of St. Joseph, God may grant us the grace of simplicity, humility and love towards God and our neighbour.

Have a wonderful day!

Fr. Remi Osj

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