Fraternal correction 1 Brethren, and if a man be overtaken in any fault, you, who are spiritual, instruct such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering yourself, lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens; and so you shall fulfil the law of Christ. 3 For if any man think himself to be some thing, whereas he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let every one prove his own work, and so he shall have glory in himself only, and not in another.
Good works 5 For every one shall bear his own burden. 6 And let him that is instructed in the word, communicate to him that instructs him, in all good things. 7 Be not deceived, God is not mocked. 8 For what things a man shall sow, those also shall he reap. For he that sows in his flesh, of the flesh also shall reap corruption. But he that sows in the spirit, of the spirit shall reap life everlasting. 9 And in doing good, let us not fail. For in due time we shall reap, not failing. 10 Therefore, while we have time, let us work good to all men, but especially to those who are of the household of the faith.
Summary 11 See what a letter I have written to you with my own hand. 12 For as many as desire to please in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer the persecution of the cross of Christ. 13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised, keep the law; but they will have you to be circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. 14 But God forbid that I should glory, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ; by whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
Final benediction 16 And whosoever shall follow this rule, peace on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. 17 From henceforth let no man be troublesome to me; for I bear the marks of the Lord Jesus in my body. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.
Commentary on Galatians 6
6:1 lest you also be tempted: That is, know that you are human, with a nature subject to changes; sympathize with the one who is in a bad way. (Theodoret of Cyrus)
6:2 bear one another's burdens: burdens stands for whatever oppresses our neighbour—his illnesses, his cares, his vices—which call for compassion, help, and comfort. Be a foot to the lame, eye to the blind, staff to the aged. (St. Augustine Ex. Ps 76) law of Christ: Christ called it a law of love, remember: His are the words, “A new commandment I give you, to love one another. Jn 13:34” (Theodoret of Cyrus)
6:5 These words seem to be contrary to what the Apostle said above in verse 6:2. We must realize, however that those words pertain to the time of this present life, whereas these pertain to one’s dying day, to the Day of Judgment generally. The sense is that whatever sort of things one does, so one shall receive. (Haimo of Auxerre)
6:6 The Apostle advises listeners and disciples to be zealous in providing worldly goods like food and clothing to their teachers, from who they receive the Word of life and faith. For workers are worthy of their wages. (Haimo of Auxerre)
6:8 he that sows in his flesh: He who directs his works and interest to the flesh, must expect that those works corrupt and perish... he that sows in the spirit: He that directs his interest to the service of the spirit by serving justice through faith and charity, shall reap from the spirit according to its condition. (St. Thomas Aquinas)
6:10 especially to those who are of the household of faith: We certainly should do good to all, including the heretics and pagans. Yet, we should principally do good to those who are in the one household, namely, those who are together with us in the unity of the Church and possess the same faith. Above all, we should do good to those who show us the path of righteousness through word and deed. (Haimo of Auxerre)
6:11 St. Chrysostom and Theophylact understand this to mean: You see what misshapen letters I have formed, but your love for me will excuse their imperfections. St. Augustine: You see how freely and openly I have written, without any fear of the Judaisers. St. Hilary, and others following him: You see what lofty ideas I have put before you. St. Jerome, however, thinks that the words show that up to this point St. Paul had used a scribe, but that from here to the end he wrote himself, to |
prevent any one from objecting to the genuineness of the Epistle. (Cornelus a Lapide)
6:12 the persecution of the cross of Christ: they did this to escape the persecution not only of the Jews but of the Gentile unbelievers. For the Roman Emperors, Cajus Caesar and Octavius Augustus, promulgated laws that wherever there were Jews, they might observe their own rite and ceremonies. Consequently, anyone who believed in Christ and was not circumcised was subject to persecution from the Gentiles and Jews. Therefore, in order that they might not be troubled because of their faith in Christ and that they might live in peace, they constrained them to be circumcised. (St. Thomas Aquinas)
6:13 may glory in your flesh: As if to say, “Look at the great increase in converts the Law has achieved through our efforts.” (St. Bruno)
6:14 cross of our Lord: The Cross of Christ! Ever blossoming, the tree the Cross continues to bear new fruits of salvation. This is why believers look with confidence to the Cross, drawing from its mystery of love the courage and strength to walk faithfully in the footsteps of the crucified and risen Christ. Thus the message of the Cross has entered the hearts of so many men and women and changed their lives. (Pope John Paul II Hom CANONIZATION OF EDITH STEIN)
6:15 new creature: This our rule of life he calls a new creature, both on account of what is past, and of what is to come; of what is past, because our soul, which had grown old with the oldness of sin, has been all at once renewed by baptism, as if it had been created again. Wherefore we require a new and heavenly rule of life. And of things to come, because both the heaven and the earth, and all the creation, shall with our bodies be translated into incorruption. (St. John Chrysostom)
6:16 Israel of God: He calls all Christians the Israel of God. (Ishodad of Merv)
6:17 I bear the marks: The Apostle was bearing such stigmata, or marks, sustained for Christ’s sake because the scourges of the rods and the lacerations were still apparent upon his body and because of the way he had been fettered with chains and dragged through the streets. (Haimo of Auxerre) |
Catechism Cross-Reference
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