Last week as we witnessed the Confirmation of almost fifty of our young people we recalled the gifts of the Holy Spirit we have all received in this sacrament of initiation. As we come to celebrate Pentecost this week let us reflect on...
Last week as we witnessed the Confirmation of almost fifty of our young people we recalled the gifts of the Holy Spirit we have all received in this sacrament of initiation. As we come to celebrate Pentecost this week let us reflect on the teachings of our Church as to the twelve fruits of our interaction with the Advocate promised by Jesus Christ. They are the outgrowth of a grace filled relationship first enjoyed by Mary, the Apostles, and the other disciples gathered in the Upper Room when the tongues of fire first descended.
Charity is a virtue but it is a fruit as well of our intimacy with the divine. Knowing the infinite love showered upon us in creating the world, redeeming mankind, and promising companionship we are called to mirror that which we have received. Authors like Benedict XVI used the word: “agape” which describes the unconditional love God has for the world and the free choice the believer has to respond. Arising out of this fruit we might say comes a second: Joy. All too often we feel devastated by loss of family members or overwhelmed by economic crises. Because joy is God given it surpasses any concept of human happiness which is ephemeral. This grace accompanies us and assists us in realizing how temporary are our sorrows. The burdens of any one day mean less than the hope we are given.
Peace is a fruit of which we hear much in the New Testament. Christ promises to those gathered at the last supper a “peace which the world cannot give.” In an age when the news is filled with news of civil disruptions, terrorist threats and actions, and wars breaking out we search for an oasis of tranquility. In our hearts and homes we seek a cessation of the chaos which frequently destabilizes our sense of well being. The Lord offers us a sense of wholeness when he proclaims “shalom” to those who rest in Him. With arms outstretched He says: “Let us be at – one.” Patience is a fruit of the Spirit which is connected with peace. Parents find it very elusive as they seek to instruct their children and protect them from the mistakes they might have made. All of us, at times, want instant solutions to the problems we have or answers to our future hopes as to their fulfillment. This presence of God’s grace comforts us with the reality that He is near, no matter what is to occur, to assist us. Benignity is perhaps a word with which we are not familiar. It can be roughly translated as kindness. It is a concept that goes beyond a feeling to a mode of action which calls upon an individual to perform actions of support for another even when that person might be deemed “difficult”. How kind God is to us, even when we are closed to Him. Aligned with this fruit is Goodness. This is very clearly an attitude or general character that should be seen in a person who has embraced faith. We might falter at times but our overall response is to do that which is pleasing to God and of service to our neighbor. Though we might seek to advance our
neighbor. Though we might seek to advance our own cause, altruism is our main goal. The next fruit does not sound attractive at all but it is truly one born of an intimacy with the Godhead and recognizes the Christian’s link to the Crucifixion.
Long-Suffering is a recognition of the truth of the mandate of Christ to take up one’s cross. How many of our brothers and sisters realize in their lives the burdens of loneliness, sickness, and want! They witness to each of us the depth of their acceptance of the Pauline creed: whether I live or die, I live or die in the Lord.Mildness is described in the Scripture as a “disposition that is even-tempered, tranquil, balanced in spirit and unpretentious.” Sometimes call meekness, it should never be confused for weakness. In our own Archbishop I have seen this in abundance in his public addresses, meetings, and conversations. But one is equally aware in his statements and body language that he understands power and its responsibilities. He rules his own spirit well. Faith is the fruit of true knowledge and understanding of God’s compassion and care as well as our acknowledgement of His providence over our lives. All too often our days pass without referencing it. But when we are struck down by a family crisis of health, marital discord, filial estrangement, or unemployment we run home to the Father and seek solace. While this is right in the sense that it recognizes our ultimate dependence on God, all too often we want from Him our solution instead of praying “Thy will be done.” But I guess, like the match our faith needs to be pushed against a hard surface for it to ignite. Modesty is a much ignored fruit today. Not only in dress do we see its violation but in the manner of speech which is self-congratulatory. In my last assignment I recall people arriving for Mass clothed in a way that would be unacceptable in their local clubs. And I am sure we have all endured conversations in which the speaker was absolutely amazed with himself. In a society formality in what we wear has certainly lessened and yet many companies have restored requirements once dismissed. This fruit requires us to heed where we are and what we are about. And we must realize that praise from another’s lips always sounds sweeter. Continency is also another unfamiliar word and unfortunately a concept that has lost meaning for some. It can simply be defined as self-control.
Though our present economic woes can be ascribed to many causes if we are honest, the absence of this aspect is a significant factor. Building and buying houses too big for our budget, charging those “must haves” to our many credit cards, and attempting to impress others with our largess in entertaining has come to roost. As a nation, community, and individuals we must realize the wisdom of exercising control over ourselves and our passions. Speaking of which, the final fruit is Chastity. When we compare our attitudes with those of prior generations we should be somewhat embarrassed. I do not think that this spiritual fruit is calling us back to a hypocritical Victorian age but it is demanding that we display a greater appreciation for God’s creation. No person should be treated as an object. Such objectification leads to a lack of respect for humanity and its existence leading to the evils we see promoted so shamelessly today.
On this birthday of the Church let us honor her by gratitude for the gifts of the Holy Spirit and by witnessing to the fruits of our Divine Advocate. Come Holy Spirit! Come!
Vivat Jesus
Fr. Brian