October 12, 2022, Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time-C
Galatians 5:18-25
Psalm 1
Luke 11:42-46
If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit. Galatians 5:25
“Woe to you Pharisees! …you pay no attention to judgement and to love for God. Luke 11:42
Lord, baseball teams are currently competing to reach the ultimate goal: the World Series. Each game is decided by which team scores the most runs. Keeping score is what sports is all about. You called out the Pharisees for keeping score in their religious observance. Their vigorous and inflexible practices left no room for the fruits of the Spirit related by your servant Paul. When we are guided by the Holy Spirit, we aren’t following checklists or keeping score of our accomplishments. We allow the Spirit to develop generosity within us to those in need, patience with spouses and coworkers, kindness toward those who treat us badly and self-control over passions. We have the fruits of the Spirit planted in our hearts: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, gentleness and self-control. You are love itself. When I am open to your Spirit, Lord, I can let go of keeping score and of trying so hard to be perfect or earn the love I already have from you. Come, Lord Jesus, fill me with your Spirit and I can live in the freedom of your abundant life. Amen.