Confirmation -
the fruits of the Spirit
Recently we mentioned that at Confirmation we receive the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord.
We also receive the twelve fruits of the Spirit. These are charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control and chastity. As I read through this list, I can’t help but think that these fruits all end up as “love”. Charity is giving to others - if you only think of yourself, you cannot think of others. Joy comes from being happy for and concerned about others. Peace is that comfort that comes from knowing that God is in control and all we need to do is give ourselves over to His will. Patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, and gentleness all speak of how we treat other people. Faithfulness is continuing to do what is right even when it is difficult. Modesty, self-control and chastity is keeping our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. Our actions, thoughts and words all affect others as well as ourselves. All of these fruits are founded in love: love of God, love of neighbor and love of self.
Just as it is good to check ourselves from time to time on how we are following God’s teachings, we can check ourselves on how we are loving. Are we being too critical? Are we generous to those in need? Are we gentle and kind to our family members as well as strangers? Are we conscious of what we wear, what we say and how we act?