When Christianity first started, to gather, to pray, to be community were all perceived as subversive, counter-cultural acts.  To be Christian meant a tacit agreement to conspire with other Christian and with Spirit in living towards the Reign of God.

Conspire is an interesting word to break-down.  Con (with) – Spirie (breath)  To conspire describes something so intimate as to share the same breathe with another, as in a deep kiss that causes each lover to gasp together.  To conspire means to share the same breathe with the Creator, the One who provides the breathe of life.

In both those acts, such intimacy must bring about life.  St. Paul described to the Galatians the fruits of such moments as “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” The change in our course of life that comes with the Spirit of God in our lives must be evident.

Those with a fruitful faith understand that it compels them into action. They seek to right the wrongs that are both within their personal life as well as within society around them. The act upon the conviction in the Lord’s prayer that (God’s) Reign should come, (and God’s) will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Those with a fruitful faith also personally assume some responsibility to be engaged in the world and serve as a living witness of faith, sharing the Good News in their lives by serving as a witness with their very lives.