Not to us, LORD, not to us
but to your name give glory
because of your mercy and faithfulness.
Why should the nations say,
“Where is their God?”
Our God is in heaven
and does whatever he wills. (Psalm 115:1-3 NABRE)
Us versus them.
This mindset is a constant theme through all of human history. Yet, if God is love, I suggest that what unites us is of God and what divides us is not. How, then, do we recognize what is of God? How do we give glory to his name rather than our own? How are God's mercy and faithfulness brought into our world? Is it by argument and debate? Certainly not!
Rather, I submit that whatever is of God comes into our world by the fruits of the Holy Spirit. They have been referred to as good habits, but they are also the keys to unity and understanding among people of good will. They are the beginning of our experience of God's glory while we are still in this life! What an unimaginable gift!
The Catechism has this to say: The fruits of the Spirit are perfections that the Holy Spirit forms in us as the first fruits of eternal glory. The tradition of the Church lists twelve of them: "charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity."
Today, I will pray for a day that knows kindness, generosity, and gentleness among all people. Please join me in this.
Saint Oliver Plunkett, martyred in Ireland 334 years ago for defending his faith, pray for us.
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