Fruits of the Spirit
A Spirit-filled life bears many fruits that are always in season.
What are the signs of living a purposeful life with God? When we allow the Holy Spirit to guide our life and use the gifts of the Holy Spirit (wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord), the Fruits of the Holy Spirit are present within and around us.
The 12 fruits of the Holy Spirit serve as proof of a connection to God's power and presence. When these fruits are present in life, it signifies that God is actively working and moving. Keep an eye out for these fruits to witness the complete presence of God within yourself and others.
1. Love
Charity encompasses our love for God and of our neighbors. This kind of love is not simply a passing feeling or infatuation. It is an unconditional kind of love that expects nothing in return. It puts the needs of others before our own and it manifests in concrete actions toward God and other people.
2. Joy
We all want to be happy but the happiness found in earthly things is fleeting. The joy that is part of the 12 fruits is not an emotional state. Rather, it is a lasting kind of happiness that can only be realized when we put God at the center of our lives and if we believe that we will live our eternal life with Him.
3. Peace
Peace is tranquility that can be experienced when we put our complete trust in God. When we rely on God, we believe that he will provide for our needs and this relieves us from any anxious thoughts about the future.
4. Patience
Patience allows us to have compassion over people in spite of their flaws and weaknesses. This fruit comes from an understanding of our own imperfect state and how God has given us His unconditional love and mercy so we should do the same for others.
5. Kindness
Kindness or benignity is more than being kind to others. It is having a heart that is willing to do acts of compassion and give to others above and beyond what we owe to them.
6. Goodness
Being good involves constant renouncing of evil in our day to day actions. When we are good, we are constantly seeking the path of righteousness and strive to do God’s will even at the expense of earthly success.
7. Generosity
Generosity is about being honorable and charitable. Giving is even considered a spiritual gift. If God has given you much, you can serve Him by sharing it with others.
8. Mildness
To be mild in behavior means having a heart of forgiveness and grace. It means not being easily provoked and choosing a response of meekness and peace rather than one that leads to revenge.
9. Faithfulness
Faith is at the core of our Christianity. To have faith means living according to the will of God and believing that He is the master of our life.
10. Modesty
Being modest means being humble. It is believing that any of our successes, blessings and talents are gifts from God. It also means being content with what we have and not harbor any selfish ambitions.
11. Continence
Continence means having temperance and self-control. It does not mean denying ourselves from what we need or want, it is the ability to exercise moderation in everything we do.
12. Chastity
Chastity means giving ourselves to Christ completely whether as a priest, religious or layman. All vocations are called to have chaste in their way of living. Chastity also means indulging our physical desires within the right context such as being sexually pure before marriage and by remaining faithful to one’s spouse.
Holy Spirit,
make my life a colorful, vibrant fruit salad that reveals your glory and goodness to those around me!
When I am living fully alive in you, these fruits will be present and active in my life.
Take me deeper into your presence.
Transform me from the inside out so that I can help transform the world.
Amen.
Take some time to reflect on the fruits of the Holy Spirit as a Church of the Home:
What fruits are alive and active in my life and in our Church of the Home?
Which ones do I need to develop and strengthen more?
Join us for Mass this weekend in person at 4:00 PM on Saturday, 8:30 or 10:30 AM on Sunday, on www.gbres.org/live, our YouTube channel, and our Facebook page.
READINGS FOR THIS WEEKEND’S MASSES
VIRTUALLY SUNDAY REFLECTION
Using our gifts and talents for the building of the kingdom of God is an important responsibility. However, history is filled with leaders who were called to lead in building the kingdom but were reluctant to lead because they underestimated their own gifts and talents. We should recognize and affirm the gifts and talents of others, calling them to leadership. Join Tony as he reflects on this weekend's scripture readings.
Families
This Weekend's Bulletin
(click to read)
Parish Lyceum
The Parish Lyceum will feature a variety of topics, guidelines, and relevant information to nurture the PIESS of our lives – physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and social.
Auditio Divina
Katie and Tony break open the song "Shine On" by Entrain for July 2024.
Lyrics:
All night long I wait for you and you find me there
I'm amazed at the love that we both can share
I may not have that much to give in material things
But what I have I give to you so freely
Shine On, Shine On
Let your light fill up this world 'till dawn
Recent Losses in Our Parish Family
Announcements
Parishioners Tim and Mary Doemel are also walking in honor of their son Tim Jr.
Resurrection would love to help get 12 members on their team as well.
Please consider joining Team TimJr.
Ruby and Res
A new cactus variety has been discovered:
The Rubitia Puppius
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