Dear Folks,

This weekend we introduce this year’s parish theme to to “Live by the Spirit, Walk by the Spirit.”

Why the Holy Spirit?  Honestly, at the inspiration of my mother.  She passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly this summer.  She taught her children to expectantly seek the counsel of the Holy Spirit, and recognize His active presence in our lives.

Years ago, I was giving a vocations talk in Spanish describing a time when I was living “por y para mi mismo.”   The succinct way this works in Spanish captures a nuance that seems lost in the literal English “by and for myself.”  That nuance is related to my recognition that I was trying to live by my own strength, not the strength of God!

What does it mean to “Live by the Spirit, Walk by the Spirit?” This exhortation comes from the RSV translation of Galatians 5:25.  In this Chapter of Paul contrasts the works of the flesh against the fruit of the Spirit.  He instructs them to renounce the works of the flesh, crucify the flesh with its passions and desires so that we may live by the Spirit.

When live and walk by the Holy Spirit, we will see our lives bearing very different fruit.  “In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” Gal. 22-3.

For the next nine months, we will dedicate one month each to considering the fruit of the Spirit in our preaching, bulletin, religious education and school.

Frequently parishioners ask me, “what can I do to help?”  The stewardship catalogue was mailed out Friday and is designed to help you discern the call of the Holy Spirit.  If you know where your gifts fit, next weekend you can sign up to help!  If the options are too many, fill out the form with your gifts and meet with Stewardship volunteers to help you discern!

Every time you say “yes” to Jesus, you are taking a step to “Live by the Spirit, Walk by the Spirit.”

Pax et Bonum,

Father John Mosimann