+(Intro) Our first reading this morning tells of the works of the flesh, of impurity, licentiousness, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, acts of selfishness etc. As we begin this Eucharist, let take a moment to be sorry for our sins.
(After the gospel) Our first reading from St Paul, also spoke of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity etc. Jesus in our gospel tells us of the importance of being attentive to the judgment and love for God. He also speaks of the danger of imposing burdens on others that are hard to carry.
Our readings this morning call us all to be truly discerning in our lives. It is so easy in our affluent society to begin to seek self-interests rather than those of God, to get caught in rivalry, dissensions, occasions for distraction from what our lives are really about if we are going live by the fruits of the Spirit, in patience, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. I know I can easily become distracted, for like most of us, I have all kinds of info at my fingertips.
The Eucharist we receive at this altar is food that is to energize us through the whole of our day. It is to be the source of all our thoughts, words and actions. If we are to inherit the Kingdom of God, the fullness of life with Christ, it is to begin here and now, in a continual surrender to his loving presence in our lives and our lives together.
Gal 5:18-25; Luke 11:42-46