Wednesday of 28th Week, Year II: reflection

Theme: How to know those who are led by the Spirit of God

Reading: Gal. 5:18–25

Dear friends in Christ, the portion of the letter to the Galatians for today’s Mass concluded with this quote from St Paul: “if we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” The question now is, “How do those who live by the Spirit walk, or how should those who are led by the Spirit walk?”

These days, many Christians take it for granted that those who perform extraordinary deeds, such as speaking in tongues during prayer, seeing visions, telling the future, casting out demons, healing illnesses through prayer or other religious practices, etc., are led by the Spirit of God. While these actions are undoubtedly some of the manifestations of the Holy Spirit, we are also aware that the devil bestows similar gifts on his followers.

Therefore, St. Paul invites us to look beyond these manifestations and focus more on the fruits that these people’s lives bear in the Christian community and in society at large in order to recognize those among them who are actually representing the Spirit of God and those who are betraying Him or representing the forces from the underworld.

St Paul mentioned the fruits that the life of anyone who is led by the Spirit of God or anyone who is true to God’s Spirit must bear. They are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. On the other hand, the life or services of anyone who is betraying the spirit of God or anyone who represents the forces of the underworld will bear the fruits of immorality, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, jealousy, anger, dissension, party spirit, envy, drunkenness, strife, carousing, and the like. By their fruits, Jesus said, you shall know them (Mt7:16) and who they represent.

It is true that the Spirit also blows wherever He wills and may decide to work through frail humans. So, whoever believes that the Holy Spirit is using him to perform wonders should also ensure that his life is bearing the fruits of the Spirit. If not, on the last day, he may hear what Jesus told those who claimed to have preached and cast out demons in His name. He told them, “Go away; I do not know you.” (Mt. 7:23). Therefore, if you are led by the Spirit, walk by the Spirit also.

Peace be with you.

Fr. Isaac Chima