Fruits of the Holy Spirit

Wednesday of the Week 5

Mark 7:14-23

Is wisdom today a scarce commodity?  All people can have the gift of wisdom as Solomon has.

Let's start with the the conventional definitions of wisdom.  It is knowledge gained by experience.  Life itself is a school where we learn the lessons of life.  We need the grace of the Lord to show us the way.

Wisdom is also the natural ability to understand.

In order to gain wisdom we need the following: knowledge, the heart to discern, and the right judgement untainted by evil intentions.

In St. Ignatius' spirituality, he recommends that our decisions should be for the common good, for the salvation of others and for greater glory of God.  All these tie up harmoniously to produce good works on earth, the fruits of wisdom of God.

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Jesus teaches us the nothing from the outside makes us unclean; but rather what comes inside, for inside, there are 'fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, malice, deceit, indecency, envy, slander, pride, folly. All these evil things come from within and make a man unclean.’

The queen of Sheba was amazed at the leadership of Solomon.  She said, "for wisdom and prosperity you surpass the report I heard. How happy your wives are! How happy are these servants of yours who wait on you always and hear your wisdom! Blessed be the Lord your God who has granted you his favour, setting you on the throne of Israel! Because of the Lord’s everlasting love for Israel, he has made you king to deal out law and justice."

What are the fruits of the Holy Spirit?  According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church these are the following: "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."

Reflect on each of the them for they manifest the presence of God within.