Year of the Bible

Access your family's weekly resource for the Year of the Bible HERE

Commentary on the Letter of St. Paul to the Galatians, Chapter 6:

In his conclusion of the letter, Paul turns from explaining the theology of the gospel message to a practical application of how to strengthen and encourage one another in living the message, walking in the Spirit (4:16, 25) and loving one’s neighbor (5:14). We are to support one another “in a spirit of gentleness” when another believer struggles with sin (vs. 1-2) and do so with humility (vs. 3-4, 14) and persistence (vs. 5-9). “Faith working through love” (4:6) echoes as doing “good to all men,” especially fellow believers (vs. 10). Paul concludes emphasizing the gospel of Jesus Christ is not about adherence to the Law, ritual ceremonies, or ethnic/religious background, but is about being born in baptism, in Christ, as “new creation” (vs. 15). Through the grace of Jesus, we are accepted  by God and receive the Holy Spirit, who renews our hearts as God’s children and enables us to live in love.

The Letter of St. Paul to the Galatians, Chapter 6:

Bear One Another’s Burdens

1 Brethren, if a man is overtak­en in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Look to yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 3 For if any one thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each man will have to bear his own load.
6 Let him who is taught the word share all good things with him who teaches.
7 Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corrup­tion; but he who sows to the Spir­it will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary in well-­doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart. 10 So then, as we have op­portunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Final Admonitions and Benediction

11 See with what large let­ters I am writing to you with my own hand. 12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be per­secuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. 14 But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither cir­cumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God.
17 Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, breth­ren. Amen.

*Daily Lectio Divina Question:

"Bear one another's burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ..." (v 2) In meditating on this chapter regarding the support, challenge, and building up of each other, what comes to your mind of a situation in your life or in another's that needs your attention?

Biblical Commentary provided by the Catholic Biblical School of Michigan, an adult faith formation apostolate. Catholic Biblical School of Michigan (cbsmich.org/join). 

Revised Standard Version; Second Catholic Edition. (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2006).
Permission to use the RSV-2CE given for Bishop's Year of the Bible by Ignatius Press. Many thanks to Ignatius for this.
If you're looking for a good Catholic edition of the Bible, look no further.