Romans 8:1-11, Psalm 24:1-6, Luke 13:1-9
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/102613.cfm
"Those who live according to the flesh are intent on the things of the flesh, those who live according to the Spirit, on those of the Spirit." -Romans 8:5
"Remember that you have been called to live in freedom - but not a freedom that gives free rein to the flesh" (Gal 5:13). Most of the time, in St. Paul's writings, "the flesh" means our human nature. Although not all of our fleshly desires are bad, our flesh nevertheless demands our total attention. In effect, our flesh wants to be our god. Therefore, "the flesh in its tendency is at enmity with God; it is not subject to God's law. Indeed, it cannot be; those who are in the flesh cannot please God" (Rm 8:7-8).
Only the Spirit is stronger than the flesh. Only by the Spirit can we resist the temptation to give in to the idolatry of flesh, self, and pleasure. "My point is that you should live in accord with the Spirit and you will not yield to the cravings of the flesh. The flesh lusts against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh; the two are directly opposed" (Gal 5:16-17). "If you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the evil deeds of the body, you will live" (Rm 8:13).
"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's lead" (Gal 5:24-25).
Prayer: Father, crucify my flesh with its passions and desires.
Promise: "Who can ascend the mountain of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean, who desires not what is vain." -Ps 24:3-4
Praise: Al and Joe fast on Fridays.
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/102613.cfm
"Those who live according to the flesh are intent on the things of the flesh, those who live according to the Spirit, on those of the Spirit." -Romans 8:5
"Remember that you have been called to live in freedom - but not a freedom that gives free rein to the flesh" (Gal 5:13). Most of the time, in St. Paul's writings, "the flesh" means our human nature. Although not all of our fleshly desires are bad, our flesh nevertheless demands our total attention. In effect, our flesh wants to be our god. Therefore, "the flesh in its tendency is at enmity with God; it is not subject to God's law. Indeed, it cannot be; those who are in the flesh cannot please God" (Rm 8:7-8).
Only the Spirit is stronger than the flesh. Only by the Spirit can we resist the temptation to give in to the idolatry of flesh, self, and pleasure. "My point is that you should live in accord with the Spirit and you will not yield to the cravings of the flesh. The flesh lusts against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh; the two are directly opposed" (Gal 5:16-17). "If you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the evil deeds of the body, you will live" (Rm 8:13).
"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's lead" (Gal 5:24-25).
Prayer: Father, crucify my flesh with its passions and desires.
Promise: "Who can ascend the mountain of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean, who desires not what is vain." -Ps 24:3-4
Praise: Al and Joe fast on Fridays.
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