RBWords

     When I was in grade school, preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation, my class was given a "crash course" in the Holy Spirit!  We were at least expected to know what traditional Catholic teaching called the seven "gifts" of the Holy Spirit and the (I think it was twelve) "fruits" of the Holy Spirit.  St. Paul lists only nine in today's passasge, but others were added.  The seven "gifts" developed in another way, which can be the subject of a future reflection.  Suffice it to say, St. Paul contrasts the fruits of the Spirit with a list of vices that would characterize the unconverted person - the person who lives "according to the flesh."

     Such is the power of baptism [confirmation is a part of baptism] in St. Paul's thinking that it enables a person to live a life that is not controlled in its every detail by the observances of the Mosaic Law.  Did this mean that the Ten Commandments were done away with?  No.  It meant that people would observe those commandments because they would be guided by the Spirit and not because the commandments were written down as legislation.  The new law of Christ would be characterized by the virtues (or fruits) of the Spirit because of faith in the heart of the believer, and not because of the contraints of a code.

     Given that our Catholic tradition tends to be rather rule-oriented in some aspects, one has to wonder from time to time how the Spirit manages to get its fruits into the hearts of the faithful!  I think the example of Pope Francis has called our attention to this in the way he leads.  The media speak of the "Francis effect," but I am more inclined to see the work of the Spirit.  The difference his leadership is making has to compel us to think about this!  AMEN