Paul is well known for his use of the word “flesh” which he usually contrasts with the word “spirit.” Typical of this usage is a reading from Galatians that was the Proper Epistle a few weeks ago in which he contrasts works of the flesh and works of the Spirit.
“Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want...Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these....By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
When Paul contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruits of the Spirit, he’s not talking about flesh in the way we often think of it. He’s referring to that part of us that is alienated from God, the unruly and obstinate part of our inner self that doesn’t want to be told what to do. It’s a strong part of us. Consider how hard it is to pray for five or ten minutes without your mind wandering to other things. Or try fasting and see how much you think about food.
In contrast, when Paul talks about Spirit, he’s talking about that part of us that is open to God. It’s that part of us that desires to be in communion with God, to feel God’s presence and touch. When that part of us is developed and nurtured, we begin to live out our baptism, to keep our promises to God, to live as if we are citizens of God’s Kingdom already.
Paul says, when that part is ascendant in us, people around us can tell because of how we act. We love others by showing concern for their wellbeing as if it were our own, we feel and express joy in life, we have an inner peace that centers us and banishes anxiety, we can be patient with those who try us, we’re kind to others, we’re generous with our time, our talents and our treasure, and we’re gentle in our dealings with our neighbor and our adversaries.
One other interesting thing about the works of the Spirit. Paul calls them “gifts.” In other words, they are not sought by us as much as they are given to us when we nurture that part of us that desires to be God’s child. That said, I need to say one more thing about human behavior. I know you can behave your way into a new attitude or character. It’s not the case that you need to be healed in some way before you can be “good.” If you desire to be “good,” that is, if you desire to have the gifts of the Spirit, you can begin to behave as if you do. The very fact that you desire it, indicates that some part of you wishes to communion with God, to be open to God. So, as you begin to amend your actions, those behaviors will be developed as gifts.
Something to think about.
In the Spirit, Jerry+
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