The feast of Pentecost draws our attention to that moment when the Holy Spirit descended on those gathered in the upper room. When we think of Pentecost we think of the Sacrament of Confirmation and the gifts of the Holy Spirit which many of us memorized in case the bishop asked us about them on Confirmation day. I want to focus in this column on the fruit of the Holy Spirit because if we are truly caught up in the fire of Pentecost, we will know it. The fruit of the Spirit – as proclaimed in Saint Paul’s letter to the Galatians – are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Yes, that’s right: if we are truly swept up in the powerful outpouring of the Spirit that took place on Pentecost (and that takes place every day because the Spirit is always at work in the world), then these are the qualities by which people will know us. (I don’t know about you, but I think I missed out a bit on the “patience” fruit!)
So, how do we get there? How do we demonstrate the love of Christ that is offered to us every day by the living Spirit of God? How do we live out our call to be Spirit-filled followers of the Risen Christ? By accepting the invitation to allow God to lead us to where we are supposed to be. Sometimes that’s as near as the closest quiet corner of our “inner room” where we contemplate God gazing on us and where we feel God’s sheer delight in us. Sometimes we experience the living Spirit when we are moved to change our habits to become more aligned with Gospel living. That may lead to moments where we suddenly find ourselves exhibiting more kindness, generosity, gentleness, and self-control. Remaining open to the promptings of God’s Holy Spirit requires trust in God to help us become the disciples we are meant to be and that will lead to consolation and peace in the knowledge that we are doing God’s will. And if we are doing God’s will, we are truly in the “right place!” And who doesn’t want to be in the right place!
So here’s your spiritual homework for the week ahead: 1. Give thanks to God for the gift of the Holy Spirit who is everywhere. 2. Consider each fruit of the Spirit, rejoice when you note that you are living it, and ask God for more “fire” when you’re not living it well. I can guarantee you will get what you need to become the spirited disciple you are supposed to be.
Come, Holy Spirit! Fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of your love!
Have a blessed week.
Welcome to the Saint Aloysius! Our parish was founded in 1896 to serve the Catholic families that were settling in the greater New Canaan area.