In today’s reading, Paul lists off a number of those behaviors which constitute behaviors which are contrary to the Christian life: impurity, jealousy, jealousy, outbursts of fury, drinking bouts, and the like. These he calls the works of the flesh, and obviously the list could be longer, a lot longer. If we happen to fall back into any of these behaviors, they need to be repented of immediately in the Sacrament of Confession, changes need to be made in one’s life, serious changes, if we are falling into any of these behaviors. A good thorough examination of conscience should help us root out the works of the flesh.
St. Paul then goes on to list the fruits of the spirit which are signs that the grace of God is flourishing in our life: joy, patience, self-control. And the like. The fruits of the spirit are given room to grow and flourish in our lives when we repent from the works of the flesh, and should be manifest in each of our lives. They aren’t just for a select few. Every Christian should manifest each of the the fruits of the Spirit. Because again, they are the result of being rooted in Christ, in right belief, and right practice. If we are lacking in any one of them, we have some real self-examination to do. What is stifling self-control? What is hindering joy? What habitual attitudes are keeping me from practicing kindness and gentleness?
Readings like this help us to recognize the need to rid sin from our life, and to make room for the flourishing of grace, so that we may become the people God made us to be. Many Catholics, even many priests, do not take this call to self-examination seriously. They think the call to continual conversion is for other people. Or, they think God will overlook their failure to give-up certain works of the flesh.
But the call to turn away from sin and to cultivate the fruits of the Spirit isn’t just for super saints. This is part of the ordinary Christian life, ordinary discipleship, bare minimum stuff here. Which is why Paul keeps returning to these themes in his letters. For the flourishing of the fruits of the spirit are not only important for the individual, they are important for the community as a whole and for the mission of the Gospel.
If non-believers do not see the fruits of the spirit flourishing in our lives, why would they convert to Christianity? If they see the works of the flesh rampant in a community, why would they consider joining it?
Rather, the fruits of the spirit, especially joy, like Mother Theresa said, are net which catch souls for Christ. Set let us cultivate them with great effort and reliance on grace for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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That all Christians may repent of the works of the flesh and cultivate the fruits of the Spirit.
That, during this month dedicated to the Holy Rosary, many Christians will discover new and deep devotion to Our Lady’s powerful intercession and maternal care for the Church.
That world leaders may look upon the Son of God, believe in him, and seek the peace and justice that only he can bring.
That our young people may take seriously the call to holiness, and turn away from the evils of our culture to spread the good news of Christ’s eternal kingdom.
For all whose lives are marked by suffering may come to know the healing and peace of Christ.
For the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, and all the poor souls in purgatory, for deceased clergy and religious, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom.
O God, you know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the prayers of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our Lord.
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