Sunday before the Exaltation of the Cross. Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady, the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary.
Galatians 6:11-18. Philippians 2:5-11. John 3:13-17. Luke 10:38-42. 11:27-28.
Read Galatians 6:11-18
Having a right heart in relationship with God is central to our spiritual lives. We are always told that in scripture and homilies. In the Third Hour and Matins, Psalm (50) 51 says, “For in sacrifice you take no delight, burnt offering from me you would refuse, My sacrifice, a contrite spirit, a humbled, contrite heart you will not spurn.”
Yet outward observance also matters. We know from human relationships that good manners and respecting personal boundaries are important, how much more so in relationship with God? Psalm (50) 51 concludes, “Then you will be pleased with lawful sacrifice, burnt offerings wholly consumed, then you will be offered young bulls on your altar.” Clearly, a right heart and right practice are to go together.
The apostles taught that Gentiles are not required to become Jews first to become Christians – to do so would be a negation of the cross of Christ. Today’s epistle reading also says that the reverse is true, that not taking on the outward observance of the Mosaic Law does not count either.
Paul says that we now have the same relationship to such things as Jesus Christ does. “The world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” The apostle is saying we really are that closely united with our Lord, we just have to grow into Him, consistent with that unity.
Paul exemplifies this. He resists others pressuring him to outwardly be something other than an apostle of Jesus, pointing to his bodily wounds from faithfully identifying with Christ crucified. He also from his heart lovingly extends the spiritual graces of Christ to others.