Laws or Life?

May 21 Wednesday of the 5th week of Easter: 

A thought for those who want to reveal the risen Jesus in their lifestyle.

Acts 15:1-16; Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5; John 15:1-8

“Every branch that bears fruit he prunes so that it bears more fruit.” John 15:2

The basic division in the Church has always been between the prophets and the Pharisees; between those open to change and those who cling to the “traditions of their ancestors” (see Matthew 15:2; Galatians 1:14); between those who focus on laws and those who follow the Spirit.

 

When Paul and Barnabas told about the conversion of the Gentiles, it “brought great joy to all the brethren”—except for “some from the party o

f the Pharisees.” who stood up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and direct them to observe the Mosaic law.”

In every age the “Pharisee party” in the Church ignores the fruit of the Spirit and focuses on rigid conformity to rules. Pope Francis condemns this as the “spiritual worldliness” of those who “feel superior to others because they observe certain rules or remain intransigently faithful to a particular Catholic style from the past.” Their “supposed soundness of doctrine or discipline” leads them to judge others “instead of opening the door to grace.” He says they are “not really concerned about Jesus Christ or others” (The Joy of the Gospel, 94).

Jesus identifies life with growth, fidelity with fruitfulness, and both with living consciously in union with his heart. “Remain in me, as I remain in you.”

PRAY: “Lord, teach me your heart.”

PRACTICE: Try to recognize prophets. “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16).