At Pentecost, Reflect on the Fruits of the Spirit

As Pentecost approaches, Sherry Hayes Peirce suggests taking time to ponder how we use each of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit.

A centerpiece of reflecting on the Resurrection during Eastertide is celebrating Pentecost, the holy day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the first followers of Christ.

Love 

So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)

Love is what we are called to do. Find ways to share God’s love with others.  

Joy

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. (Romans 15:13) 

Joy is what the Lord wants us to feel.

Peace

In every Mass, we share a sign of peace with those around us at the priest's invitation when he says, quoting Jesus at the Last Supper, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” This comes from John 14:27, which concludes,

"Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid."

Patience 

Saint Monica is the supreme intercessor for patience and perseverance in prayer. For 17 years, she prayed for the conversion of her fallen-away son, Saint Augustine, to return to the faith. The fruit of her prayer blossomed into a burning love of God that transformed him into a Doctor of the Church.

Scoundrels are a furnace of evil, and their lips are like a scorching fire. (Proverbs 16:27)

Kindness

Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ. (Ephesians 4:32)

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. Seek an opportunity daily to be kind when you might want to be mean or unforgiving. Be sure to capture the experience in a journal to reflect and refer to in future encounters beyond this season.  

Generosity 

We have a beautiful tradition of reflecting on 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 over the next fifty days and beyond.

You are being enriched in every way for all generosity, which through us produces thanksgiving to God. (2 Corinthians 9:11) 

Faithfulness

If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself. (2 Timothy 2:13)

The gift of faith helps us grow in our trust in our Lord’s love for us. This verse 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

Live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love (Ephesians 4:1-2)

This 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 Corinthians 7:5)

Ask the Lord to reveal where you should practice self-control. 

Every week, choose one of the above Fruits of the Holy Spirit to reflect on, and find a way to use it in a practical way in your life. If you have a young person in your family who recently received the sacrament of Confirmation, this would be a great way to help them model the spiritual gifts they’ve received. 

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Copyright 2025 Sherry Hayes-Peirce
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