Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: GAL 5:18-25; PS 1:1-2, 3, 4 AND 6; LK 11:42-46
Notes: Our first reading sets the stage for the question.
Do I want works of the flesh or fruit of the spirit?
Which way of life is more appealing in the final analysis?
What is a woe anyway?
Webster’s Dictionary defines “woe” as follows:
https://www.franknelte.net/article.php?article_id=363
1) An interjection used to express grief, regret, or distress.
2) A condition of deep suffering from misfortune, affliction, or grief.
3) Calamity, misfortune.
First reading
Responsorial Psalm
Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life.
Blessed the man who follows not
the counsel of the wicked
Nor walks in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the company of the insolent,
But delights in the law of the LORD
and meditates on his law day and night.
Alleluia Verse
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord;
I know them, and they follow me.
Gospel Portion
The four of six woes in gospel of Luke.
- You pay tithes of mint and of rue and of every garden herb, but you pay no attention to judgment and to love for God (vain worship).
- You love the seat of honor in synagogues and greetings in marketplaces. Elsewhere in Luke: They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext, recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation (greed).
- You are like unseen graves over which people unknowingly walk (mislead others).
- You impose on people burdens hard to carry, but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them (bad shepherd).
It’s less work to be a Saint.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 