A Second Sermon on Galatians

Paul's letter to the Galatians reminds us that salvation comes not from our own efforts to follow rules but through God's grace. The Spirit struggles within us against what Paul calls the "flesh," or our selfish impulses. The Spirit's guidance allows God's love to flow through us spontaneously, rather than striving to earn our worth through adhering to rules and earning rewards or punishments. Our standing before God is never in question because of Christ. Paul warns us, though, that we will be tempted to turn our efforts to do good into Law—even good ambitions like striving for holiness. Father Justin creatively applies this idea to contemporary wellness and diet culture, asking whether the return of the '90s snack wrap is secretly another manifestation of the Law.