DAILY HOMILIES #Galatians

Starve your flesh and feed your spirit. As St. Paul says, “Be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” (Romans 12:2). Surround yourself with good books, holy pictures, videos and other sound materials. Filter your social media consumption. Take part in spiritual activities, and spend more time praying, studying the Bible, and meditating daily. Fast from whatever leads you away from God. You will know when you are progressing if your life radiates these virtues: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23).

St. Paul points out in today’s First Reading that we are justified by faith, not by the Law, having been freed from the Law’s curse. However, our faith demands that we hear and keep God’s words. We keep God’s words because we love Him, not because we hope to justify ourselves. We keep God’s word because we are His children, not because we seek payment like workers (who hate their master but obey him to earn their salary).

In other words, demons cannot function without a host. They only possess a free heart (swept and tidy). If God occupies your heart, there will be no room for the demons. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8). We make our hearts attractive to demons when we expose ourselves to impure thoughts, wicked imaginations and other sinful acts. We are either with Jesus or against Him.

In the parable of a friend who needed help in the middle of the night, Jesus teaches us that even if God (like one who is already sleeping with his family at home) did not intend to answer your prayer initially, your persistence could make God go the extra mile (wake up his family) to help you.

In today’s Gospel passage, one of Jesus’ disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. It takes humility to ask to be taught how to do something, just as it takes humility to take corrections when people point out our faults. The Lord’s prayer appears simple, but it is also very powerful.

Just as a single candle is never intimidated by the darkness of an entire room, we must never be intimidated by the crowd that surrounds us. Who says we have to blend in with the culture of immorality? Jesus said: “Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38)

Why did Jesus address the Pharisees as fools? The Pharisees thought they could deceive God by their external show of religiosity. They dressed well and prayed in the marketplaces to attract the praise of men, but their hearts were “full of extortion and wickedness.” It is better to be hated for who you are than loved for who you are not.

The people wanted to see a sign, a show of power, or a display like that of Elijah and the prophets of Baal, but Jesus didn’t put up any show. If you believe, you don’t need to see signs and wonders (proofs); if you don’t believe, a million signs will not convince you. Today’s Gospel passage begins with “Jesus had just cast out a demon.” Was this sign not enough for them?

Just as it would be foolish to trust that circumcision alone is enough for our salvation, it is foolish to assume that words enough are enough for prayer. Our words must be accompanied by faith that all things are possible with God. A deep trust in God must accompany our words. God is a Father who truly cares for his children and will go the extra mile to rescue us when we are in need.

That “one thing” needed is to seek God’s kingdom first. While you search for your daily bread, live righteously; pursue integrity, justice, purity, and love your neighbour as yourself. Make sure you avoid sin and entrust your difficulties to God. Don’t stay up all night worrying. Do that which is within your power and leave the rest to God. God can change your story within the twinkle of an eye. He can turn things around like He did for Job

“And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Luke 11:9-10). Fear not. Pray with faith.