Ishongkun Kurbah csc –
Readings: Gal 5:18-25; Lk 11:42-46
The oppression of the poor and powerless, the denial of justice, the deprivation of rights and proper living for the weak and downtrodden have been prevailing since the beginning of human society. The world has been in a constant battle between good and evil, lies and truth, and oppression and justice. And in our lives we are battling out against the weakness of our flesh every single day.
St Paul in his letter to the Galatians is speaks about the contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruits borne through the working of the Spirit. If we yield to the flesh, we produce the works of the flesh that is evil and immoral. But if we yield to the prompting of the Spirit, we will produce fruits of the Spirit. The choice is ours.
Christ in the Gospel speaks against the injustice done by the Pharisees and against their ambition only for higher status but always neglecting the troubles of the poor. Jesus always fought boldly against the corrupt system and the social evil that were prevailing at his time. Did Jesus hate the Pharisees and the Scribes? He did not hate them; however, he denounced their works which were corrupt and evil. Christ, like any other prophets, spoke courageously the truth to the Pharisees and Scribes. He was filled with courage. In the world where there is constant battle between the good and evil, we need the strength and the courage to stand firm. We are to fight the constant battle within our own life, and we are to fight the injustice, untruth, corruption, and oppression.
Following and living the life of Christ, we will be able to overcome the work of the evil and bear the fruits of the Spirit. Let us pray that we are filled with the strength and courage of the Spirit. Prophet Micah asks, “what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?