In the Korean Catholic Times, a professor emeritus of Scripture offers a meditation on Galatians 5, where the Apostle Paul lists examples of the works of the flesh (immorality). He then enumerates the nine fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Gal 5:22-23) The Apostle Paul lists as many as fifteen examples of the works of the flesh (immorality), including “sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, and idolatry”. He then enumerates the nine fruits of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
Let us divide the immoral acts (vices) mentioned here into four categories. First, sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery cause our love to go astray. Second, idolatry and sorcery cause us to stray from the worship of God. Third, divisions and factions loosen the bonds of love and cause us to become separated from one another. Fourth, drunkenness and revelry disrupt social order and corrupt human nature.
Among the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit, love is the central concept underlying the eight virtues that follow. While the Greek text describing the “works of the flesh” is originally written in the plural as “the works of the flesh," the fruit of the Holy Spirit, “love (agape),” is written in the singular. This is because, although the fruits of the Spirit are diverse, they all ultimately spring from a single root: love.
If he were to name the two passages in the New Testament that most succinctly explain who God is, he would cite the following: “Jesus said, ‘God is Spirit’”. (John 4:24) The author of 1 John describes who He is in a single phrase: “God is love.” (1 John 4:16) Later, St. Augustine remarked in his commentary on 1 John: “Love, and do whatever you wish.”
In answer to the question, “Who is the mysterious God?” 1 John describes Him in a single word: “love (agape).” If the first commandment is to love God, the second is to love one’s neighbor. Therefore, the Apostle Paul says, “Love is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 13:10).
He finds that when his love for God and neighbor wanes, vitality diminishes and joy fades; conversely, when love fills his heart, he feels a surge of enthusiasm and joy.
Last year, during the sweltering summer months of July and August, he spent time at a small farm in a mountain valley, tending crops and caring for chickens and two dogs. At first, the chickens kept a distance of about one to two meters, but after about three weeks, when he began bringing them their favorite foods—such as chicory, purslane, and lettuce—in addition to their regular feed, they came so close he could almost touch them. They would playfully peck at the back of his hand or his shoes with their beaks, as if treating him like a friend.
He was reminded of St. Francis. “When you give love, even plants and animals become friendly and repay you with joy and abundance.” At the same time, a psalm came to mind: “Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150:6)
He finishes the article with the last sentences of Psalm 85: Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet.
Righteousness and peace will kiss each other. Faithfulness will spring up from the ground,
and righteousness will look down from the sky.
The Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase.
Righteousness will go before him, and will make a path for his steps.
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