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Psalm 104(103)
Benedic anima mea
Psalm 113(112)
Laudate pueri
Psalm 131(130)
Domine non est
Psalm 132(131)
Memento Domine
Psalm 139(138)
Domine probasti
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Day Eight
As the tree bears fruit
READ
Galatians 5:22
Witness
I went to a Charismatic prayer meeting once and a rather over-enthusiastic neighbour tried to ‘slay me in the Spirit’ by physically pushing me backward with her hand on my forehead. I was rather suspicious of the Holy Spirit after that and not certain it was the genuine article! Later I went on a parish retreat, my father and my mother had recently died and I was a rather withdrawn unhappy nineteen year old. The priest offered to pray over me. I wasn’t too keen, but could not be bothered to argue. As he put his hands on my head I felt the Spirit surge through me. If filled me with physical and spiritual energy and they could not shut me up!
The Spirit came into me in Baptism, I accepted the Spirit, and I confirmed my reception of that gift in Confirmation. Now I let the Spirit grow in me. Because of the Spirit I live in Jesus, in him I live and move and have my being.
The Lord will make my life a tree that will bear fruit. The list of the fruits of the Spirit (which most of us know half by heart) comes easy, too easy; try asking yourself if you would prefer the opposite?
Indifference - or love
Weariness – or joy
Restless anger - or peace
Impatience – or patience
Cruelty – or kindness
Senselessness – or goodness
Unreliability – or faithfulness
Harshness – or gentleness
Up for grabs – or self-control
The left hand list is what in varying degrees and at different times we all have. The right hand list is what we would all soberly prefer - at least in our best friends.
Let us pray
Lord let your Spirit come to flower in our lives,
so that we can bear fruit that will last
through Christ Our Lord.
Amen.