Remembering two women - Hedwig and Margaret Mary Alacoque

Once again today we see the frustration of Jesus with the way the Pharisees were giving priority to rules that are relatively unimportant while they ignore those that were essential. He criticizes the way they pay tithes on garden herbs while overlooking justice and the love of God. St Paul in chapter 5 of his letter to the Galatians first points out the negative aspects in people's lives which are the result of self-indulgence. Indecency, jealousy, bad temper, envy and quarrels are among the things that he warns us against. How do we overcome these weaknesses that are an unfortunate consequence of our human nature? St Paul does not leave us hanging in the air but gives us the answer. Instead of giving in to our self-indulgence, he urges us to be led by the Spirit. In one of his richest passages, he tells us what the Spirit can bring to us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness and self control. What is the fruit of the Spirit that I most need in my life? Let us ask for it in faith as we remember the words of Jesus in last Thursday's gospel. ''If you who are evil know how to give your children what is good, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.'' (Luke 11:13) We also remember two saints. St Hedwig whose husband was Duke of Greater Poland, She was canonized in 1267 in recognition of her life of holiness and dedication to the poor, orphans, widows and the sick. The second is Margaret Mary Alacoque who was born in France in 1647. She introduced and spread devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus based on visions that she received. ''Come Holy Spirit, bring your fruits into our lives also.''