Fruitful?

Photo by Jo Sonn on Unsplash

Today's Readings

One of the most amazing things to me in the Acts of the Apostles is that Peter, and the other Apostles could recognize that the Holy Spirit (whom Jesus sent) had come down upon people with a great deal of certainty. This certainty caused them to welcome Gentiles with open arms (something that would seem appalling to Jews of the time). It was THAT CONVINCING!!

So what was it that they saw? Jesus gives us a ‘primer’ to this in today’s Gospel when He tells us how to distinguish between false prophets and real ones. What does Jesus say? Look at the fruits. What is it that is born out of their words or actions? Are they good things? Are they bad things? In St. Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he says: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” 5:22-23 These are the counter to what he is seeing in those who oppose Christ.

These gifts deserve some of our attention, and I would propose giving them that in the following way: A self-examination. If we are purporting to the world to be Christians, then shouldn’t people be able to know it in the way that we are? Can they see it in our Charity? No, this is not just giving some money to a non-profit, it is the placing of others well-being ahead of our own, sacrificial love. Are we Joyful? Even when it’s a bit tough? Do we have Peace, or are we weighed down by every earthly concern? Do we show Kindness, even to annoying people, do we speak kindly of others, even those who have wronged us? Can others see Goodness in us, a persistent pursuit of what is good for each person? As you can see, the bar is set pretty high for the Christian. But we are only halfway.

Are we Generous with time and talent and treasure? Does our generosity in support of the Church match our support of other causes, organizations? Are we Faithful, do we regularly look to the Lord for guidance and help? Are we Modest about our gifts, even our physical gifts in the way we dress, or do we seek to make others envious, and fish for compliments? Do we have self-control in regard to food and drink and spending on gadgets, etc.? Are we Chaste, or are we chasing, even in our minds?

OK, I will admit, I am feeling far less ‘Christian’ than when I started writing this. This is hard and Jesus knew it would be. It is why He sent the Holy Spirit, and why He forgives our sin as we strive for these things. But we do need to strive. We can’t just throw our hands up and say “nobody can do that” or “everyone else is doing it…its not a big deal.” When we fall victim to those approaches, we look just like everyone else. When we are striving, we will often be successful, and others will know we are Christians – by our fruits.