Love matters most (Tuesday, Week 28, Year 2)

Good essays, letters or academic writings are often structured in such a way that there must be a beginning (or introduction), the body of the essay or letter and then an end (conclusion). At the beginning of such a write-up, few introductory remarks are made. In the body, strong arguments or points are marshaled out in favor or against the subject matter. In the conclusion, a brief summary of the points and a submission are made. In other words, in the concluding section of any essay, the writer makes his or her position clearer, more direct and distinct.

St Paul’s letter to the Galatians, just like every good essay, had followed the above pattern. He had clearly made his arguments; he had strongly marshaled out his points. As we gradually come to the end of the letter, we now see St Paul making his position clearer, more direct and distinct. As we have learnt, the bone of contention in his argument has been circumcision, a work of the law: because of which there was serious discrimination or division in that Christian community of Galatia. Having said all that he had to say about circumcision (a work of law), St Paul now finally says, “…in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is of any avail, but faith working through love” (Gal. 5:6). In essence, what St Paul wanted the Galatians to understand is that now that they are in Christ, what should only matter is their faith working through love, not circumcision. What should only matter is their faith manifesting in acts of love, not in the works of the law (example, circumcision). Love should always be the guiding principle, not the “work of the law”. Where there is love, there will be no discrimination, no division, no disunity; hatred won’t be talked about; and so on. I am sure this speaks to us as well.

In the gospel (cf. Luke 11:37-41), a Pharisee who invited Jesus to dinner was surprised or astonished to see Him eating without first washing His hands. He wasn’t astonished because he was concerned about Jesus’ health or hygiene. He was astonished because he felt that Jesus didn’t observe the ceremonial law of ritual purity and all of that. In response, Jesus made him understand that purity is not about washing of hands or washing the externals. It is all about washing the inside, keeping the heart clean; and keeping the heart free of extortion and wickedness. When the heart is free of wickedness, evil and extortion, the heart will be free to love, and will be spacious enough to accommodate the needs, cares and concerns of others. That is why Jesus simply said to the Pharisee, “Give alms; and behold everything will be clean for you.