Law and Love

The question of the nature of freedom for the followers of Jesus and the role of guilt in the lives of believers are thoughts inspired by the texts today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary. In the text from the Letter to the Galatians Paul creates a list of vices and virtues. Friar Jude Winkler analyses the format of this presentation which uses Hebrew techniques to express the superlative to present ancient and Greek virtues as part of an organized and peaceful life. Our concern about what is right and wrong may lead us to be susceptible to the tyranny of laws which lead us away from the Spirit of Love which Timothy R. Lannon, S.J. suggests is the role of laws. The Gospel from Luke continues Jesus forceful denunciation of over scrupulous rules and regulation which Friar Jude notes will leave people guilty with no way out. The way out is Love.