During his weekly catechesis, the Pope reflected on what he called "fruits of the Holy Spirit." He explained that these fruits are "love, joy and peace, magnanimity, kindness, goodness and trust, gentleness and temperance." He said they are the result "of a collaboration between God's grace and human freedom, something we are all called to cultivate, in order to grow in virtue."
SUMMARY OF THE POPE'S CATECHESIS IN ENGLISH:
Dear brothers and sisters: In our continuing catechesis on the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church, we now consider what are traditionally called “the fruits of the Holy Spirit”, namely, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (cf. Gal 5:22). These fruits are the effect of our free cooperation with the grace of the Spirit at work in our lives. Today let us reflect on one of these fruits, especially dear to me: the gift of spiritual joy. In contrast with fleeting worldly joys, the Spirit grants us a profound and enduring joy born of his presence in our hearts. The joy of God’s love not only fills our own lives but also inspires us to share that joy with others. Saint Paul encourages us to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil 4:4). May our witness to “the joy of the Gospel” help those around us to find peace for their restless hearts and, in Christ, new meaning for their lives.
I extend a warm welcome to the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, especially those coming from Australia, Israel, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea and the United States of America. I greet in particular the members of the African Delegation for Justice and Peace Pilgrimage and I assure them of my prayers for their important mission. Upon all of you, and upon your families, I invoke the joy and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ! God bless you!
TR: JD
