28th Week in Ordinary Time, Wed. Oct. 17,2006

Scripture: Galatians 5:18-25, Psalm 1, Luke 11:42-46:

We will end the reading of Galatians tomorrow, and as we end his Epistle, Paul continues to give us formative advice. We all can use this type of advice no matter how advanced we are in years or if we are just beginning our spiritual journey. Formation in spiritual things is a life long process. Today Paul gives us a list of virtues to be cultivated under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He has shown us the vices first, but these are not even to be talked about by those who are truly led by the Spirit. The virtues given are listed as the fruits of the Holy Spirit; here are the ones that Paul places at the end of his epistle: love, joy, peace, patient endurance, kindness, generosity, faith, mildness, and chastity. I suggest we all make a note of them and place it near our computer or on our desk. Perhaps, we need a little more patience today and this would be a good reminder. Paul ends today's reading in a marvelous manner: "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's lead." (Galatians 5:25).

Psalm 1 is an introduction to the whole Psalter. I like this Psalm very much and it is always a joy to read and pray it. It is simple and shows us the paths of life and which one is to be chosen. We can find the right path by meditating on God's word, his laws, commandments and precepts. There is much wisdom in this Psalm and it is easy for anyone to understand it. Moreover, it is short and easy to remember. I like the word that refers to our mulling over, pondering, and enjoying the law of God. In Hebrew the word is "YEGEH and in the commentary in Hebrew the following description of this word is given: "shall speak musingly in the low murmur of one entranced by a sweet thought." I like to think of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, pondering over in this manner the words and events of God in her life. (Check this out in Luke 2:19,51). We could then apply this pondering over to the virtues St. Paul indicated in Galatians. So be it. Amen.