In the Spirit of Feria VI after the XV Sunday after Pentecost
The readings from Galatians and Luke for this Feria VI after the Fifteenth Sunday of Pentecost bring forth profound lessons on living in the Spirit and practicing Christian charity, while shedding light on the mercy of Christ.
Galatians 5:25-26; 6:1-10: Walking in the Spirit and Bearing One Another’s Burdens
In this passage, St. Paul exhorts the Galatians to live according to the Spirit, not in competition or envy but in humility and service. He stresses that those who are spiritually mature should restore those who fall into sin “with a spirit of gentleness” (Gal 6:1), recognizing our own vulnerability to temptation. St. Augustine comments on this, teaching that true spiritual strength lies in humility and mercy, not in domination over others:
“For nothing makes the soul prouder than the graces it receives, unless it takes care to recall that it is given for service and the benefit of others.” (Augustine, Expositions on the Psalms).St. Paul’s call to “bear one another’s burdens” (Gal 6:2) emphasizes the communal nature of the Christian life. We are not saved in isolation but in communion with our brothers and sisters. St. John Chrysostom reminds us that:
“He does not merely say, ‘be sympathetic,’ but ‘bear.’ For there are many things that weigh heavily on each of us, and it is our duty to assist others by shouldering part of their load.” (Homily on Galatians).This spirit of mutual care aligns with Christ’s teaching that we are to love one another as He has loved us. By bearing each other’s burdens, we fulfill “the law of Christ” (Gal 6:2), the law of love.
Moreover, Paul admonishes against growing weary in doing good, assuring us that we will “reap if we do not give up” (Gal 6:9). St. Gregory the Great encourages perseverance in good works, noting:
“We must not slacken in the face of difficulties, but continue to sow in the field of the Lord, for in due time we will gather a bountiful harvest.” (Homilies on Ezekiel).Luke 7:11-16: The Compassionate Christ Who Gives Life
The Gospel reading from Luke recounts Jesus’ encounter with the widow of Nain, whose only son had died. Upon seeing her, “the Lord had compassion on her and said, ‘Do not weep’” (Lk 7:13). Christ’s compassion here is deeply personal—He is moved by her suffering and intervenes to restore life to her son.
This miracle demonstrates not only Christ’s power over death but also His deep mercy for the suffering. The Church Fathers see in this event a prefiguration of Christ’s resurrection, which brings life to the whole human race. St. Ambrose reflects on how the widow of Nain symbolizes humanity, and her son, our sinful nature:
“The widow is the Church, who weeps for her sons, dead in sin. Christ, seeing her affliction, touches the bier of our mortality and raises us to life by His Word.” (Exposition of the Gospel of Luke).Jesus’ action here reflects the essence of divine love: a love that seeks to bring life and healing to the brokenhearted. As St. Augustine writes:
“The Lord Jesus was not only a physician to the widow’s son but also to the widow herself, for He restored her hope by giving life to her son, just as He restores hope to all who trust in Him.” (Sermon on the Raising of the Widow’s Son).The people’s reaction to this miracle—“God has visited His people!” (Lk 7:16)—points to the incarnational mystery. In Christ, God has come near to His people, bringing life where there was death, hope where there was despair.
Living the Gospel in Our Daily Lives
In these readings, we see a call to live by the Spirit and an invitation to imitate Christ’s compassion. St. Paul’s letter teaches us how to build up the body of Christ by bearing one another’s burdens, while the Gospel shows us how Christ Himself bears the greatest burden of all: death, which He overcomes through love.
As Christians, we are called to follow Christ’s example of mercy and compassion, not only through extraordinary acts but in the small moments of our lives. Whether we are restoring a fallen brother with gentleness, persevering in good works, or simply offering comfort to someone in distress, we participate in the life of Christ.
St. John Chrysostom captures the heart of this call:
“The miracles of Christ are not limited to the past; they are present in the life of every believer who walks in His love. To show mercy is to participate in the greatest miracle of all—the transformation of the human heart.” (Homily on Luke 7).In this spirit, let us strive to live according to the example of Christ, bringing His life-giving presence to all we encounter. May we never tire in doing good, knowing that our reward is not of this world but in the eternal life Christ has promised.