salvation, unless strengthened by our gratitude, guarded by humility, directed by right intention, and sustained by proper use. For the Apostle speaks thus about them: ‘Love never ends; as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away’ (1 Cor 13:8). He says so not because he makes little account of God’s gifts, but because love is to be recognized as the foundation of them; love is the foundation of all virtues, of gratitude, of humility, and of many other things.” The Holy Spirit is the sap that enables us, as branches on the vine, to bear much fruit. But we ought to focus not upon His gifts but upon the sap of love that enables us to bear such fruit. Without love, all gifts disappear; with love, we can use our gifts to bear much fruit in serving others. Moreover, our reward is the Holy Spirit Himself, the love of our Father poured into our hearts through Jesus. In what ways do you need the Holy Spirit to strengthen you to love this week? How can you utilize your gifts from the Spirit in loving others? 3. “When you send forth your spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth.” Politicians are infamous for promising change if elected. They tap into the human desire for renewal, for we recognize that our life – and the world – is not as we would hope it to be. But despite promises, efforts, even revolutions, we do not see the renewal we had dreamed. The Holy Spirit is the “Lord and giver of life,” and when He is received by human hearts, we are recreated. The earth as we know it – broken by sin, death, and intense suffering – is restored by the Holy Spirit. The Father sends Him forth, but our hearts must be open to receiving Him, and our apostolate is to help others’ hearts to be open to Him, as well. The earth is renewed by each person who receives the Spirit of Jesus, given to us anew in Holy Communion. Where do you need the Holy Spirit to renew your life, your world? How can you surrender more fully to Him in Holy Communion? How can you help others to be open to receiving Him, whom the Father sends? After Holy Communion 1. “The fruit of the Spirit…” Notice that St. Paul places the word “fruit” in the singular. We often speak of twelve fruits (plural). But perhaps his point is that, like a diamond, the fruit is only one, but with many facets or sides that radiate His light. Sometimes we may excel in one aspect of the fruit over another, but if we surrender to His work, we will shine with each of them. Like fruits that we eat, the fruit of the Spirit is delightful, pleasant, and sweet. How often our Christian life may seem difficult, painful, and even boring. But that is a sign that we are placing too much emphasis on our own ability, rather than relying upon His grace. Yes, we must crucify our “flesh with its passions and desires,” no longer performing the works of the flesh. But if we truly live by the Spirit, we will taste how sweet, how enjoyable it is, to experience His peace, joy, kindness, and more. What ‘works of the flesh’ do you struggle with? What aspects of the fruit of the Spirit do you need to mature in your life? Where do you find your Christian life difficult or hard, and where do you need to taste His sweetness and delight? 2. “He breathed on them.” As the Father breathed the Spirit into Adam to give him life, so Jesus breathes that same Spirit into us sinners to restore us to life. Sometimes, in prayer or in Holy Communion, we expect “more” to happen: to have a brilliant point to meditate upon, or something we can share with others.
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