But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patient, kindness...

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patient, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passion and desires. If we live by the spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-25

 In a little over three weeks we will celebrate the Feast of Pentecost.

 All of us have experienced the lack of peace, joy, love, patience, self-control, etc that came as a result of our abortions. Some, have reached a healing that reflects those gifts, at least at times. Others are still struggling with the temptations of the world and with the temptation to despair regarding our abortions. Our TV’s, radios and print sources are filled with sex and violence and a disregard for life including our own. It is difficult to change behaviors we may have had for years, especially if friends and family do not understand.

 What struggles are you still experiencing?

 What do you do when you experience them?

 If you have progressed in your healing, what did you change or what do you do differently now than you did before?

 Do you understand that lifestyles may have to change to experience peace?

 Some people express a desire to become pregnant again after an abortion…if you feel this way, what is different about your life that makes you think you would not chose abortion again?

 Are you willing to change, or do you want healing but continue to live the same lifestyle you did before?

 If so, what are the fruits of this lifestyle?

 Have your relationships with others changed or remained the same?

 PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit of Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord with the sign of Your true disciples, and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.