When I first heard the title of the parish book, Nine Words, I thought it would be about the last words of Jesus. It seemed off, though, how many words was it? So, I looked it up, seven if you're interested, laced with meaning, but it still left me with a puzzle. What nine words would someone write a book about? Not the beatitudes, maybe some phrase has nine words. Then we finally got the book in our hands. Nine Words, the fruits of the Holy Spirit, duh. I haven't read the whole thing yet, but I like where it's going. It's not just a textbook, it's rich with examples and connections, with practical tips. Hopefully it will cause some introspection, some prayer, and a realization of these gifts in your life. It would seem after years of "spiritual reading" that I would stop being surprised at how God works. I'm like a little kid that honestly thinks you've reappeared when you say peekaboo.
There are some writings that I just haven't been able to get into, (I won't say so I don't off end anyone). There are some that I try to read every year because they strike a chord in my soul. The trick is to keep at it, to give it time. Some of you may be distracted easily, like myself, instead of reading the book I was looking up the last words of Christ. But it's the openness that God uses.
What is even more remarkable is if you share what strikes you. I mentioned that some things strike a chord for me. God writes symphonies, and to be in a setting where you can hear it played together is a whole other experience. I hope that you make time to read the book, and I hope even more you make time to join a book study group. Jesus' 5th word from the cross, "I thirst", I think we're all a little parched. "He (St. Paul) draws the target for you, what the-best-version-of-yourself will look like. This is your destiny. He calls these words the fruit of the Holy Spirit because these nine words encompass the way the Spirit, the way God intends for your life. Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Generosity. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self-control." (Nine Words)
-Fr. Benjamin F. Green
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