Call upon the Spirit

Miracles, speaking in tongues, prophecy... these are what many Christians think of when they think of the Holy Spirit - and with good reason.

But in one of the second readings available for today's celebration of Pentecost (Galatians 5:16-25), St. Paul reminds us of how the Holy Spirit can make a difference in our lives in less spectacular yet deeply powerful ways as he contrasts the works of the flesh and the fruits of the Spirit.

As human beings, we are too often ensnared by the things of the flesh. This reading gives us a way out: by seeking and cultivating the fruits of the Holy Spirit by the power and grace of God.

Now the works of the flesh are obvious:
immorality, impurity, lust, idolatry,
sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy,
outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness,
dissensions, factions, occasions of envy,
drinking bouts, orgies, and the like.

I warn you, as I warned you before,
that those who do such things
will not inherit the kingdom of God.

In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is

love,

joy,

peace,

patience,

kindness,

generosity,

faithfulness,

gentleness,

self-control.

Against such there is no law.

Now those who belong to Christ Jesus
have crucified their flesh
with its passions and desires.

If we live in the Spirit,
let us also follow the Spirit.