Flourishing

Read through this passage slowly. Pay special attention to what speaks to you.

But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. - Galatians 5:22-24, The Message

Take whatever phrase or image stood out to you from your first reading and hold it gently in your mind as you read through the passage a second time. With a heart open to what God might say, ask quietly “Show me what this phrase/word/image means for me today.” Read slowly and with openness.

But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. - Galatians 5:22-24, The Message

What spoke to you most in your second reading? Are there any intentions that surfaced in your reading? Talk with God about what has been stirred up in you.