20261014 Wednesday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time

[그리움하나]

(Gal 5:18-25; Lk 11:42-46): Entrust Your Transparent Soul to the Flow of the Holy Spirit

Dearest brothers and sisters, as we reach the middle of October, I pray that we may reflect upon the fragrance that enriches our life's journey, growing deeper in accordance with God’s holy will and bearing meaningful fruit.

In the end, what our lives truly witness to is not the result of pleasant words or grand promises. What possesses the most certain and powerful conviction is none other than what is fulfilled when we are together, what remains in our wake, and ultimately what touches and influences us here today.

Fruit is the precious outcome born when our inner intentions and the efforts of our lives harmoniously blend with truth and faithfulness. While active devotion within a community, or enthusiastic moments focused on spiritual gifts, miracles, and intense experiences are good, true spiritual fruit is not confined within them.

Rather, it naturally expands when we deeply and quietly savor life in the Holy Spirit of our Lord, becoming captivated by His divine will so that a profound movement of love rises within our hearts. For this quiet movement transforms the actions of those who treasure it, inviting them into a shared spiritual journey. How precious is this fragrance of the soul, which emanates even without being revealed and touches hearts even without being spoken!

In Galatians 5:25, Saint Paul exhorts us: “If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.” Those who walk by the Spirit do not take God’s Spirit for granted; rather, they live with deeply grateful hearts, receiving it as an unmerited and generous gift.

They possess the humility that does not claim grace as an entitlement—much like the Centurion in Matthew 8:8 who confessed, "Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof." They are those who bow their heads in response to God’s merciful gift bestowed upon lowly sinners. This is the true reflection of a life lived in the Spirit.

In our homes, in our church, and in the places where we build our lives alongside our neighbors, I pray that instead of seeking pride in our service or boasting of our spiritual gifts for worldly honor, our individual lives may quietly weave together, adding color and fragrance to bloom as flowers that adorn this world.

May we bear the fruits spoken of in Galatians 5:22–23 in our daily lives: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

When we encounter and draw near to God, who is Love, we recover the true meaning of life and find Joy. As this joy deepens, we gain the Peace that endures any trial life brings. As peace imbues our souls, we learn the Patience to overcome all circumstances. Through patience in our many relationships, we gain the grace to extend Kindness to others, and when that kindness is rooted in truth, it manifests as genuine Generosity. Living each day with Faithfulness helps us cultivate this goodness, and the conviction and faith within this purpose keep us anchored in Gentleness. Finally, this warmth and gentleness guide us to the grace of Self-control, helping us shape our words, thoughts, and deeds.

Thus, everything from our spiritual gifts to their fruits comes from God. As scripture warns against hypocrisy—being like “unmarked graves” (Lk 11:44)—may we aspire to live transparent lives worthy of the Lord’s grace.

During this Holy Mass, let us pray for the wisdom to live a life of unity and harmony—a life where not we, but God is revealed, inviting one another along the path toward salvation and eternal life.