Morning Psalms 116; 147:12-20

First Reading Ecclesiastes 11:1-8

Second Reading Galatians 5:16-24

Gospel Reading Matthew 16:13-20

Evening Psalms 26; 130

 

Galatians 5:16-24

 

16Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law. 19Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, 20idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, 21envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

 

22By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. 24And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

 

In a time of great anger and—often righteous—indignation, it’s helpful to remember signs of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives and the lives of those around us. What does it mean to be full of God’s Spirit? It means that we’re also full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Does your concern come from God? Does it engender these things? If we’re concerned about justice or change often the change has to come within us, too.

 

Holy God, we ask that your Spirit would be at work within us, planting seeds of grace to sprout into joy and peace and love, all the fruits your presence will bear. Let our lives offer something of your provision for a world hungry for good news, in the way of Jesus Christ. Amen.