Scripture:
Galatians 5:18-25
Luke 11:42-46
Reflection:
The walk from our Holy Family parish to Birmingham Southern campus is a pleasant one. My walk that August morning in 2009 had been a nice one. I toured the campus, which has many beautiful sites, especially it’s chapel in the round. I made sure I drank a lot of water for the 2 mile walk back to the rectory. By the half-way mark, in front of Faith Tabernacle, I wished I had brought a bottle of water along. Resting against the high curb in front of the church, I saw a car stop. After a half-minute, a woman got out with a water bottle. She said: "Honey, please take this." I gratefully thanked her. Her memory came to me as I thought about today’s readings. Jesus warned some of the Pharisees: "You pay no attention to judgment and to love for God." That kind woman had paid attention to both.
In today’s selection from the Letter to the Galatians, St. Paul said: "If you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law." He then lists the "works of the flesh". Thankfully, these are more than outweighed by the fruit of the Spirit. Again, that woman of Ensley, with her acceptance of the fruits of the Spirit, shared God’s kindness and generosity. So may we do each and every one of our days!
"Of the kindness of the Lord the earth is full."
Fr. Bob Bovenzi, C.P. is stationed in Houston, Texas.