Gal. 5:25–26, 6:1–10
If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, no envy of one another.
Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Look to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if any one thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each man will have to bear his own load. Let him who is taught the word share all good things with him who teaches. Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption; but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Living in the Spirit means following the guidance of the Holy Spirit and overcoming the “works of the flesh,” as Scripture puts it. This is an ongoing process, because listening to and following the Spirit requires a daily commitment to Christ and a willingness to allow oneself to be guided and shaped by the Spirit of God.
The “works of the flesh” stem from our human nature. Since original sin has weakened this nature and, as the Catechism teaches, inclined it toward evil, a constant struggle is required. This is already addressed in the very first lines of today’s reading. If we do not engage in this inevitable struggle, we easily surrender to the inclinations of our nature and thus become a burden to ourselves and to others: “Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, no envy of one another.”
We must recognize the bad inclinations within us and not ignore them. For example, we must not overlook the lust for glory mentioned here. It easily leads us into unhealthy competition with those around us and gives way to ugly and destructive envy.
Envy can poison our entire inner being! That is why, as soon as we notice it, we must bring it before the Lord in prayer, distance ourselves from it consciously, and perform actions that counteract it. One way to do this is to pray for our brothers and sisters and thank the Lord for the gifts He has given them. At the same time, we ask the Lord for a heart that finds true peace and rejoices in the gifts of others. This can be a long journey that requires repeated determination to change. With God’s grace, things will slowly improve, and our soul will be cleansed.
Even the so‑called “fraternal correction” within the community requires the guidance of the Spirit. A person overwhelmed by sin should be uplifted and not discouraged by harsh treatment. Furthermore, when we treat a brother or sister weakened by sin without compassion, God takes note of this and may allow a temptation that reveals the corrector’s own weaknesses.
Paul exhorts the Church that everyone must take responsibility for their own actions. Much has been entrusted to us by God. To be allowed to know God is the great joy of our lives, and the love awakened in us for Him calls us into His service. We enter, so to speak, into the school of God’s love, where the Lord proves to be an unsurpassed teacher. Yet every teacher wants those entrusted to him to understand and apply what is intended for them. So it is with our heavenly Father.
The Holy Spirit, sent to us by the Father and the Son, is our inner Master and shapes us in the image of Christ. This is why it is important to listen to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to shape us. By cooperating with Him—which initially means listening to and following the Spirit’s promptings—our lives will glorify God and bear fruit for His kingdom. An essential part of this process involves working on our inner selves and our negative inclinations and performing works of mercy. As we do so, we should keep in mind that our time on earth is limited and that we should make the most of it.
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Meditation on the Gospel of the Day in the Novus Ordo: