Jen is a FCJ Companion in Mission from New England and a former teacher at St Philomena School
For the past several years, I’ve become enamored with the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Pope Francis declaring year of 2025 a Jubilee Year Pilgrims of Hope, has kept me going, and realizing that the Holy Spirit has been keeping me hopeful even before his proclamation in December 2024.
I believe it began during the Covid pandemic and the realization that the internet could be a gift to so many of us who felt isolated. We Learned how to Zoom and Face Time. We were able to join online retreats, and keep in touch with friends and family. Seeing smiling faces and sharing concerns gave me hope. The internet opened up the world… but slowly, it became overwhelming. Each morning, my ‘inbox’ has emails from a variety of religious organizations… some I subscribe to, others that somehow got my email address. Most are wonderful organizations…but often times you just can’t read all the reflections. I’ve learned to rely on Living Faith (Daily Catholic Devotions/Bayard) and Loyola Press/America Media, which gives me a good start to my day. I’ve found a variety of Jesuit podcasts which are a good way to end my day or listen to while driving.
The last five years have been so tumultuous…. not only in the USA, but across the world. Trying to navigate the social and political unrest has been a challenge. Several years ago, a writer for Living Faith, Terri Mifek, wrote a lovely reflection on the passage from Luke 4:32 they were astounded by his teaching because he spoke with authority. In her reflection, Ms. Mifek opined that sometimes we’re drawn to someone whom we think we’ll agree with…. but after listening to the person, realize that their speech does not flow from the spirit of Jesus. Her suggestion was to listen for the fruits…that is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control to come from a person speaking. If you don’t hear ‘the fruits’, it’s time to move on! I’ve been looking for the fruits ever since!
Last May, while listening to the podcast Preach (America Magazine) I listened to two Jesuit priests discuss a homily that Fr Paul Nicholson, SJ, had given many years ago when Fr. Ricardo da Silva, SJ was in the novitiate. The homily, given on the Feast of the Ascension, had stayed with Fr. da Silva, the interviewer, for many years. Fr. Nicholson gave the homily on the podcast and explained that he saves his homilies and adapts them to his audience. My favorite part of the homily was Fr. Nicholson explaining that on this feast, we remember that Jesus left the disciples to return to heaven. Jesus didn’t abandon us but promised He would send the Holy Spirit. Fr. Nicholson reminded his listeners to notice the Holy Spirit is with us today and we can recognize Jesus when we observe the « fruits of the spirit » evident in our world.
The Holy Spirit gives us hope, when we see joyful people who are kind and loving. We see the Holy Spirit at work with the organizations around the world who are accepting donations from generous people to provide food, water, health, safety and shelter to millions of people. We see the Holy Spirit at work in the messages of Pope Leo XIV reminding the world that we need to treat people with kindness and decency… and his encouragement to world Leaders to work on bringing peace to Gaza and the Ukraine.
I have witnessed so many ‘fruits’ in my daily interactions with my family (I’m so proud of them!), my Companions in Mission friends, my St. Philomena School friends and the people I’ve met at My Brother’s Keeper, a ministry of service to the poor. This group of people who were once ‘strangers’ give me joy as I watch their dedication to helping those in need. I marvel at the patience of teachers, the gentleness of doctors and nurses, and the faith of so many who have suffered the loss of a loved one without giving into despair.
I’m reminded of Marie Madeleine and how she modeled the ‘fruits’ of the Holy Spirit and how the Sisters’ FCJ have been a gift to me… and bring me HOPE!
Image credit: Faith Stock in Adobe Stock
