The Holy Spirit is at work in us.
When we profess, we strengthen our Baptismal promises. At Baptism and Confirmation we are imbued with the Holy Spirit. At Profession we are further strengthened by the Spirit to proclaim Christ by our life and our words.
“By their fruits you will know them.” Matt 7:16
The Holy Spirit will guide us:
• The fruits of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23)
Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Generosity, Faithfulness, Gentleness, And Self-Control
When we think about how others see us, as always, the Holy Spirit can guide us in the right direction. If we are following our Rule, the Gospels and Franciscan spirituality, the FRUITS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT will become apparent in us. When these fruits are in full bloom, we know that the Spirit has been working in us and that we have been open to Him. The seeds have been planted by the Spirit and we nourish them throughout our lives as we seek daily conversion. As Franciscans these are particularly important to us because they encompass the qualities called for in our Rule.
Examples:
Joy: Pope Francis: “Joy adapts and changes, but it always endures” (7). In another place he humorously reminds Christians that we must not constantly look like we are returning from a funeral (10). As a fruit of the Spirit, joy is the lived awareness that God is faithful, loving, and merciful and that he will never leave us orphan. (Joy of the Gospel)
Rejoice and be Glad…
Patience allows us to listen to others; It allows us to facilitate rather than control. We nourish others so that they may shine; Patience takes great humility.
Self-control: Not saying what we are thinking in the heat of anger or disappointment
When we are Generous, kind, loving and gentle, other people are transformed by our example. The gifts of the Spirit are nourished and grow in them because of what they see in us.
Q1: Which gifts of the Holy Spirit do you exhibit in your life?
Q2: Which gifts do you wish were more apparent?
Q3: How does living our Rule help you to demonstrate the gifts the Spirit has given you?
Diane F. Menditto, OFS
Chair, National Formation Commission
Minister, Our Lady of the Angels Region
‘The Spirit can not work in us if we are not open
ReplyDeleteTo Him. We just need to allow the Spirit to do His
work in us. If we are open, we will feel His nudging.
The Holy Spirit is my most precious friend and I
count on Him for everything. He has never failed
me, NEVER!
How do we know we have the Spirit working in us?
That’s easy, do we have the Joy of God in us
even when things around us are not joyful?
If the Spirit of God is active in you, you know not
only by His fruits you have, you also know by
His leading you.
I live by the Spirit, there is no other way, not for me’.