It is 13th October 2020. The readings are from Galatians 5:1-6; and the Gospel from Luke 11:37-41.
Faith in God makes our hearts clean to recognise the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Faith is the proof of our inner freedom to accomplish the acts of love and mercy. “When Christ freed us, He meant us to remain free.” (Gal.5:1). If faith cannot give us the purity of heart and integral freedom, nothing else can offer it.
Faith is explained and expressed in our charitable works not by mere fulfilling a set of laws. Without purity of heart we cannot serve.
St. Paul convinces the Galatian Christians that the Gospel gives them freedom in Christ not the Law and encouraged them to be faithful to inward conversion not merely outward show and splendour. To be a child of God we constantly need to cleanse ourselves right within. Faith is not a sheer intellectual assent or understanding some dogmas rather it is the expression of love of God shown in relating with others. Our personal surrender to God to be witnessed in our love, compassion, forgiveness, and reconciliation to everyone.
The responsorial Psalm pleads, “Lord, let your love come to me.” (Ps.119:41).
In the Gospel Jesus points out that our purity comes by service to the humanity. “So, give for alms those things that are within; and see, everything will be clean for you.” (Lk.11:41). Whenever we feel sinful, sorrowful, and surrounded by fear and anxiety, we all need to venture to serve more than ever. St Peter reminds us in his epistle, “Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Pet.4:8). Jesus is impressed by our love shown to the others as a proof of loving God. May the Lord kindly bless us to reclaim our freedom offered by Christ by our life of charity. Have a lovely day. God bless you.