If we are trying to get to a certain town, but we are walking in the opposite direction, then we should be grateful to someone who tells us we are going away from our destination. Maybe we would be annoyed with ourselves for not having heeded the highway signs or taken the time to properly read the map. It would be strange, however, if we were to grow angry at the person who is trying to help us get where we want to go.
Saint Paul is trying to help the Christians in the region of Galatia see that they are going in the wrong direction. Our Lord is calling upon the Pharisees and Scribes to realize that they are going further and further from the destination they want. As we listen to Paul list the works of the flesh and the contrasting fruits of the Spirit, we can do an examination of conscience. Which list sounds like the path we have been traveling the past week? If we have been finding the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) let us take it as an encouragement that we are going in the right direction! And if the works of the flesh sound too familiar, then let us not grow agitated with Saint Paul’s words, but rather, in humility consider what we might do differently today so that we may turn and follow the Spirit.