Fruit Of The Spirit

In the sixth grade at St. Gabriel's, I remember a Religion class in which we were being told about the Holy Spirit. We were being taught from the Catechism and had just finished the seven deadly sins of the flesh. Sister read off the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control; all these came from the Spirit. One of the kids asked what longsuffering was and Sister answered. I recall thinking I still did not know what it was, but I was not going to ask for further clarification. I was the kind of student that sat back and listened to all that was being said, not one that created controversy. It is curious that the list of the fruit of the Spirit has this one that implies some form of discomfort or even pain. The others all seem to be beneficial or desirable, but longsuffering appears to be something that is not desirable, too be avoided if at all possible. Yet, it is a fruit. Today, I believe I know what longsuffering is and how it applies to the human condition. For instance: when a person realizes that their marriage was a mistake and decides to stay in it for whatever reason, it is longsuffering that enables the person to continue living a normal life. The other fruit of the Spirit still remains to be savored and life can still be happy. Another example: when a person has an accident and is maimed in some way, it is the fruit of the Spirit, longsuffering, that enables them to live a normal life. I have met people that do not have an understanding of the Spirit that is in them. They live lives that are less than optimal, yet, are unaware of the power that they might call upon. These are unhappy people and I can only wish them well in their life journey.