Each day, I reflect upon a word or a phrase inspired by the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.
I want to learn only this from you: did you receive the Spirit from works of the law, or from faith in what you heard? (Galatians 3:1-5)
FROM FAITH: In today’s first reading, Paul challenges the Galatians: Does your faith come from books or from experience?
My formation for ordination was heavily academic. My head was full as we took in four years of graduate level theology courses. However, had that been the only aspect of my formation, it would have fallen short; my faith would have shown little growth.
Reading about Jesus’ life and his teachings gave me knowledge; experiencing Christ in others grew my faith. Reading about the “how-to” of pastoral counseling gave me a road map; sitting with someone that was grieving or lost gave me empathy and grew my faith. Learning liturgical norms gave me proper instruction; assisting at Mass nourished me and grew my faith.
Knowledge of our faith – history, laws, rules, protocols, etc.- is valuable both for building a foundation and offering insight. Experiencing our faith speaks to our hearts; it aligns us with the will of God and puts us on our personal Road to Emmaus. “Were our hearts not burning as he talked to us?”
We must be willing to put ourselves out there, to experience our faith through our interactions with others.
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