Scripture Readings:
Galatians 5:25-26; 6:1-10
Luke 7:11-16
On this XV Sunday after Pentecost, the Church presents us with two readings that invite us to walk in the Spirit and live out the love and compassion of Christ in our daily lives. St. Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, emphasizes the importance of living by the Spirit, urging us to avoid conceit, envy, and provocation. Instead, he calls us to bear one another’s burdens and to do good to all, especially to those in the household of faith. Meanwhile, in the Gospel of Luke, we witness Christ’s profound compassion as He raises the widow’s son at Nain, restoring life where death had claimed its victory.
Walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:25-26; 6:1-10)
St. Paul’s exhortation to the Galatians to “keep in step with the Spirit” (Gal 5:25) is a call to a life that transcends the mere observance of the law. The Spirit leads us into the fullness of love, which fulfills the law (Gal 5:14). As St. John Chrysostom teaches, the fruit of the Spirit is evident in our actions, especially in our ability to “bear one another’s burdens” (Gal 6:2). This bearing of burdens is not merely a physical act but an expression of the deepest charity, where we share in the struggles of our brothers and sisters, reflecting the love of Christ.
St. Augustine, in his commentary on this passage, reminds us that true freedom in the Spirit is not self-serving but oriented toward the good of others. He writes, “In no way can we walk rightly, unless we love.” The freedom Paul speaks of is one that enables us to serve others in humility, echoing Christ’s own servanthood. This is why St. Paul warns against becoming “conceited, provoking one another, envying one another” (Gal 5:26). These attitudes are contrary to the Spirit of Christ, who humbled Himself and took on the form of a servant (Phil 2:7).
Compassion in Action (Luke 7:11-16)
In the Gospel, we see the ultimate example of compassion in Christ’s miraculous raising of the widow’s son. This event is not just a demonstration of divine power but a profound revelation of God’s heart. St. Ambrose reflects on this passage by highlighting the Lord’s empathy: “He saw the mother’s tears, and He who was about to call her son back to life, first brings solace to her soul by His tenderness.” The miracle at Nain is a sign of the coming kingdom where death will no longer have the final word.
Christ’s act of raising the young man also foreshadows His own resurrection and the ultimate victory over death. The Church Fathers, including St. Cyril of Alexandria, saw in this miracle a call to spiritual renewal. Just as Christ raised the young man from physical death, He also desires to raise us from spiritual death, calling us to new life in Him. “Christ did not only raise the young man but also raises our fallen souls,” St. Cyril writes.
Living the Gospel Today
As we reflect on these readings in the light of the XV Sunday after Pentecost, we are invited to consider how we can walk in the Spirit in our own lives. Are we bearing the burdens of others with the love and humility that Christ calls us to? Are we living out the compassion of Christ, bringing life where there is despair and hope where there is none?
The call to “do good to all, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Gal 6:10) is a reminder that our faith is not just a private matter but a communal one. We are the Body of Christ, called to manifest His love in a broken world. This involves both acts of charity and a commitment to justice, as we seek to alleviate the burdens of those around us.
St. Basil the Great encourages us to see Christ in the poor and suffering, writing, “The bread in your cupboard belongs to the hungry; the coat hanging unused in your closet belongs to the one who needs it.” In this spirit, let us strive to be instruments of Christ’s compassion in the world, knowing that in doing so, we reflect the love of the One who “came to give life, and life in abundance” (John 10:10).
Conclusion
As we journey through this liturgical season, may the readings from Galatians and Luke inspire us to walk more closely with the Spirit, bearing fruit in our lives through love, compassion, and service. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Christ, who raises us to new life, and may our actions bear witness to His redeeming love in the world.
References:
- St. John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians.
- St. Augustine, Sermons on New Testament Lessons.
- St. Ambrose, Exposition of the Gospel of Luke.
- St. Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on the Gospel of Luke.
- St. Basil the Great, Homilies on Social Justice.