The Fruit of the Gifts   

All the Gifts bear all the Fruits. But trying to match them brings out particular facets in each: 

Wisdom—always desiring the end, looking for union with God—is Love. 

Understanding and Knowledge give Joy by clarifying what we believe and how to benefit by it. 

Counsel gives the Peace of good and satisfying decisions.  

Piety helps us extend to everyone the Patience and Kindness we have for family members. 

Courage supports Faithfulness to our relationship with God and empowers Generosity. 

Fear (Awe) of the Lord as All Truth, Goodness and Power, by taking away fear of everything else, encourages Gentleness and the Self-Control of total surrender to God. 

So there are three groups:  

Love, Joy, and Peace should be the constant aura that surrounds us. 

When mistreated, we show Patient Endurance by responding with acts of Kindness and Generosity. 

Through Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control/Surrender, we reveal Christianity as a personal relationship with God. 

— Fr. David M. Knight

View today’s Mass readings on the USCCB website here

Easter season is the time to focus on the Holy Spirit. Starting on Easter Sunday, we will look carefully at how the Spirit is proclaimed, invoked, and presented to us in the Mass. Lex orandi, lex credendi: “As the Church prays, so she believes.”

After that, we will reflect on the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:2; Galatians 5:22), and at how the Spirit enters the life of those who believe.

As you read these reflections, ask for the gift of Understanding. Ask to really understand what you believe, what you see and hear at Mass. Go deeper into understanding the Mass than you ever have before. We experience the Faith when we become aware of its mystery. We hope you reflect deeply on the Mass and Gifts of the Holy Spirit, and find yourself more and more drawn into the mysteries of our Lord in the Mass and in His Gifts.