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.
Early Franciscans urged us to study the life of Jesus, the sacred scriptures, the lives of the saints -- especially Saints Francis and Clare -- and by these studies, to gaze into the "mirror of perfection." Where a vain person continually looks critically at a mirror for defects or endowments, the spiritual person gazes into the mirror of perfection and is improved by looking at it. That mirror reflects many facets of the spiritual life, including the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
At first devout Christians might approach the mirror with a self-conscious reluctance. Seeing the beauty and goodness of the saints, they say, "I am not that person; and shame on me for not being that person." They might pursue this trail to its dead end, "I will never have the courage, generosity or discipline to be a saint. There's no point in my trying."
But in that case the Christian is not really looking at the mirror. He's only looking at himself through the mirror. To see the mirror we look passed ourselves and delight in God's transcendent, resplendent goodness.
- Walking with the Lord through the Stations of the Cross, we admire the courage and gentleness of the silent, uncomplaining lamb as he is led to slaughter.
- Praying, the rosary we consider the joyful, luminous, sorrowful and glorious mysteries. Each has been represented by innumerable icons. We can call those images to mind as we recite the Hail Marys and Our Fathers; they are beautiful on many levels and we let them edify us.
- Attending Mass we hear the readings and prayers and embrace them with Thanks be to God, And with your spirit, and Amen.
- Singing hymns and receiving the Eucharist we peer into the miraculous mirror of perfection.
The mirror of perfection doesn't show us ideas of what we should do, nor does it encourage us to fashion these ideas into tools for self-improvement. Rather, it works beneath our conscious, controlling mind, where healing and growth occur unnoticed, opening channels of grace to recognize opportunities where none appeared before. It may, for example, show us how to apologize to an enemy when we thought it impossible and unnecessary.
Just as a glass mirror leaves us feeling defeated since it only records irreversible deterioration, the Mirror of Perfection edifies us. Gazing upon the Lord, we become mirrors of God's goodness.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.