Catholic Social Tips
The Easter season ends with the feast of Pentecost this weekend. Here are nine things to reflect on as the liturgical season of ordinary time begins.
Love: What we are called to do. “So faith, hope, love remain, but the greatest of these is love” (1 Cor 13:13). Find ways to share God’s love with others.
Joy: What the Lord wants us to feel. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom 15:13).
Peace: In every Mass, we share a sign of peace with those around us at the priest’s invitation when he says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” This comes from John 14:27: “Peace not as the world gives, but I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”
Patience: St. Monica is the supreme intercessor for patience and perseverance in prayer. For 17 years, she prayed for the conversion of her fallen-away son, St. Augustine, to return to the faith.
Scripture says, “The patient are better than warriors, and those who rule their temper, better than the conqueror of a city” (Prv 16:27). The fruit of her prayer blossomed into a burning love of God that transformed him into a doctor of our church.
Kindness: In a world that can seem very unkind, the Holy Spirit has given us all the ability to be kind and calls us to use the gift. Scripture says, “And be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ” (Eph 4:32).
Seek an opportunity daily to be kind when you might want to be mean or unforgiving.
Generosity: We have a beautiful tradition of reflecting on the generosity of time, talent and treasure as part of annual stewardship campaigns at dioceses throughout the country. Think of ways to share your time, talent and treasure at your parish. “You are being enriched in every way for all generosity, which through us produces thanksgiving to God” (2 Cor 9:11).
Faithfulness: The gift of faith helps us grow in our trust in our Lord’s love for us. “If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself” (2 Tm 2:13). This Scripture passage mirrors our relationship with the love of a parent who loves us unconditionally. Pray for God to reveal what areas of your faith need to grow.
Gentleness: Scripture says, “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love” (Eph 4:2), which calls us to be compassionate to each other. During this Easter season, look for opportunities to be gentle rather than harsh.
Self-Control: “Do not deprive each other, except perhaps by mutual consent for a time, to be free for prayer, but then return to one another, so that Satan may not tempt you through your lack of self-control” (1 Cor 7:5). Ask the Lord to reveal where you should practice self-control.
Reflect on a fruit of the Spirit every week, and use it practically in your life.
Sherry Hayes-Peirce is a Catholic social media consultant based in Southern California.
