17 Oct
Wed
28th Week in Ordinary Time
St Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop & Martyr
Gal.5:18-25
Ps.1: 1-2, 3, 4 and 6
Lk.11:42-46
(Ps Wk IV)
How To Pray With Shalom
Home Page of Shalom
Index of This Month
 
 

Guided by the spirit." These words from Paul's Letter to the Galatians, are a succinct definition of the ideal Christian life, and indicate to us how to lead a holy life. In contrast to "spirit", Paul uses the term "flesh". In general "flesh" indicates the whole human person marked by human weaknesses and separated from God. Paul develops this notion of "flesh" by listing the sins that we must avoid.

At the beginning of our Eucharist we confess that we have sinned in thought, word and deed. Though Paul has not systematically structured his list to demonstrate these three areas of sinfulness, he does in fact point to different sins of thought (jealousy), word (outbursts of rage, bickering) and deed (e.g. "lewd conduct", idolatry).

Nowadays, we would extend the category of sins of thought to include sins of attitude, namely, all forms of discrimination, lack of concern, refusal of responsibility.

Paul goes on to speak of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and so we can be certain that he is not simply thinking of the human when he says "guided by the spirit." He certainly intends to include the teaching that the Holy Spirit is our guide in leading holy lives.



Father in Heaven, may Your Holy Spirit guide us in the pathways of truth and love, justice and peace.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That the New Evangelization may progress in the oldest Christian countires.
Elaboration

- END -


© Copyright Shalom 2012. All rights reserved.