Galatians 3:7-14 / Luke 11:15-20
We know the relationship between theory and the practical. Theory without the practical is lame, and practical without the theory is blind.
Hence one cannot do without the other. What we have learnt and know, we must put into practice and through practice, our theory is refined and clarified.
In the 1st reading, St. Paul emphasized faith in Jesus Christ over the blind practice of the Law. Certainly, the blind practice of the Law without having faith in God would result in the meticulous keeping of the rules and regulations.
Religious rules and regulations without the faith aspect would result in absurdity and we might even end up making ridiculous statements.
Just like what the people said when Jesus had cast out a devil. They said that it was through the prince of devils that Jesus cast out devils.
And when Jesus retorted by asking them by whose power their own experts cast out devils, the people were confused and dumbfounded.
What they said and what they were supposed to believe in were in contradiction and in opposition.
Hence we are reminded in today's readings that our faith and our words and actions must be related and connected.
It is not just a simple matter of whether there is a relation and connection. It may be the deciding factor as to whether we are with Jesus or against Him; whether we are gathering or scattering.