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During the Last Supper, Christ promised his apostles an “Advocate” given by the Father that will remain with them always.
The third person of the Trinity–the Holy Spirit–is the promised advocate who comes to us though many of us don’t give the Holy Spirit the attention He deserves. As Catholics, we believe that no one can come to Father except through the Son, and no one can know the Son except through the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit through the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation pours out special gifts and produces spiritual fruits that guide the faithful to deeper understanding and love of God.
The Fruits vs. the Gifts of the Spirit
The phrases “Fruit of the Spirit” and “Gifts of the Spirit” are often used interchangeably although they are not the same. They are distinct endowments on us by the Holy Spirit and highlight the generosity of God with those who seek to live in His friendship.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines the Fruit of the Spirit as “…perfections that the Holy Spirit forms in us as the first fruits of eternal glory” (1832). If we live a life of the Spirit–a life in Christ– these virtues will be found.
Church Tradition lists twelve fruits:
- Charity
- Joy
- Peace
- Patience
- Kindness
- Goodness
- Generosity
- Gentleness
- Faithfulness
- Modesty
- Self-control
- Chastity
On the other hand, the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to the faithful through Baptism and strengthened through Confirmation.
They are: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, Fear of the Lord.
According to St. Thomas Aquinas, these gifts provide supernatural help to man in order to perfect the four cardinal virtues and the three theological virtues. They, in turn, further produce the fruits of the Spirit.
The Fruits and Gifts of the Spirit form a “spiritual arsenal” of sorts that enable you to live a profoundly Christian life.
Come Holy Spirit
Prayer and these endowments of the Holy Spirit go hand-in-hand.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church says: “We pray the way we live, and we live the way we pray.” These graces are freely given by God, and our only response as creatures unworthy for such a gift is prayer; at the same time, prayer will allow these graces to take root in our hearts and flourish.
If we want to live a life in the Spirit of the Lord and allow Him to bear fruit in our lives, prayer is non-negotiable.
Turn to the Holy Spirit in your prayer; open your time of prayer with the phrase “Come Holy Spirit.”
If there is a particular gift or fruit you desire to grow in your life, ask Him to soften your heart and make it fertile to fully receive these graces.
Prayer was a crucial part of the disciples’ preparation before Pentecost; The very first (unofficial) novena took place in the days leading up to it. So what better way to aid you in your prayer than a novena.
Pray More Novenas offers three Novenas specifically for an openness to the fruit and gifts of the Spirit. These novenas can be said at any time.
Dear Mary,
I will say the Divine Mercy chaplet for your intentions today.
God bless you n your family.
Dear Lady of Lourdes, please ask Jesus to intercede for us Spiritually 🙏, mentally, physically and emotionally.
Please heal all of us who suffer with anxiety and depression.
Please heal our wonderful son and his fiance of their anxiety and depression.
Thank you Jesus and Blessed Mother.
Thank you St Jude for prayers answered.
Thank you St Jude for prayers answered.