By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Galatians 5: 22-23 NRSVue
Are these actually items from Pope Francis's New Year's Resolution list? I've written in the past that I'm not inclined to make resolutions but these are mostly worthwhile, at least on a personal level. The one about marriage is confusing given that priests aren't allowed to marry.
There is a part of me that wants to add:
Give back artifacts taken from Indigenous peoples and commit to reparations.
Be fully transparent about clergy abuse and settle lawsuits.
End patriarchy in the church and allow women to be priests.
I realize that these are rather judgey so that probably means I've failed in adopting these resolutions before the New Year has even started. I would do well to take these to heart though. In some respects they are a practical embodiment of the "fruit of the Spirit" named in the apostle Paul's letter to the Galatians.
This reminds me that I do want to read scripture more in 2025, from a bible with pages, not just on a screen. I also want to eat more fruit and vegetables, God being my helper!
"Be Happy" New Year everyone.
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