Wednesday 15^th October- Memorial of St Teresa of Avila, Virgin & Doctor

Reflection: Galatians 5:18-25

LIVE IN THE SPIRIT

There is no doubt that the youth of this generation are facing greater challenges in terms of living a true Christian life than any other generation. There are so many vices and distractions that hit the airwaves all the time, be it from the media, technology, internet or folks. These often get so much attention that one may find it difficult to create time for God on daily basis. The Word of God is encouraging us today, to be serious with our Christian walk. The human nature is presented before us today with its usual struggle with the Spirit. These two, the Scripture says are in enmity – the human nature and the Spirit. (Galatians 5:17).

Left to itself, the human nature is susceptible to all manner of sin and filthiness. This human nature is the old nature of sin, which must be put to death by the help of Spirit. Beloved, God has not left us powerless in the face of evil. The Scripture says that “God’s divine power has given us everything we need to live a truly religious life…” (2 Peter 1:3). But you may ask, why it is sometimes difficult to live godly lives, and the answer would simply be that we have not put to death the human nature. The human nature is a stubborn nature that needs not just mere restriction, but as Scripture says today, it must be put to death. (Galatians 5:24). How then can one put to death the human nature? It is by allowing the Holy Spirit to reign in our lives; to be open to His guidance as He speaks to us in our hearts each time we are faced with temptation.

Beloved, the Word of God is truth. Hence your attitude to the Word of God should not be passive. You should be an active and practical student of the Word of God if you really desire freedom from any vice or sin that has controlled your life for long. The word of God gives us the mind of God and it has the power to convict (Hebrews 4:12) Remember beloved, you cannot separate the Word from the Holy Spirit, or else your studying and listening to God’s Word will be like reading a mere literature. This is the path to freedom, go for it beloved. Dare to live in the Spirit who dwells in you and seeks to help you.

PRAYER: Thank you Holy Spirit for always being there to help me. Please strengthen me that I may put to death the human nature in me and live by your guidance always. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 2014: “Spiritual progress tends toward ever more intimate union with Christ. This union is called ‘mystical’ because it participates in the mystery of Christ through the sacraments.”

HIDE A TREASURE: “For if you live according to your human nature, you are going to die; but if by the Spirit you put to death your sinful actions, you will live.” Romans 8:13 GNB

Readings for Today: Galatians 5:18-25; Psalm 1:1-6; Luke 11: 42-46