The Apostle's Fast in the Ancient FaithSample

Day 6: Goodness - Manifesting the Fruit of the Spirit

As we progress through the Apostle's Fast, we are called to reflect on the virtue of goodness. Goodness, a fruit of the Spirit, is not merely an abstract quality but a tangible expression of God's character in our lives. It is through our actions and deeds that the light of Christ shines brightest in the darkness of the world (Matthew 5:16).

"So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10). This exhortation from St. Paul reminds us that goodness is an active pursuit, a deliberate choice to extend kindness and mercy to all, without discrimination or favoritism. In the midst of our fasting and prayer, we are called to reflect on the fruit of goodness that ought to blossom in our lives. Goodness encompasses acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion toward others, reflecting the very nature of God's love. Let us therefore cultivate a spirit of goodness as we seek to emulate Christ in our words and deeds during this sacred season of fasting.

St. Matthew the Evangelist, an Apostle and one of the Twelve Disciples, once a tax collector named Levi, experienced a heartfelt transformation upon encountering Jesus. His life became a testament to the transformative power of divine goodness. Leaving behind his former ways of being a tax collector to the Roman Empire against his own people, St. Matthew dedicated himself to spreading the Gospel, embodying the goodness of God through his words and deeds. The Gospel he wrote serves as a beacon of hope, inviting us to experience the life-changing goodness of God.

St. Basil the Great, a luminary of the Early Church Fathers, eloquently spoke on the nature of goodness. "When someone steals another's clothes, we call him a thief. Should we not give the same name to one who could clothe the naked and does not? The bread in your cupboard belongs to the hungry; the coat unused in your closet belongs to the one who needs it; the shoes rotting in your closet belong to the one who has no shoes; the money which you hoard up belongs to the poor." St. Basil challenges us to see goodness as a duty to our fellow man, a tangible expression of love that meets the needs of others, and through his teachings, we are reminded that goodness is not confined to words alone but is made evident through our actions toward others.

The Coptic Synaxarium on Paremhotep 8 (usually March 17th) recounts the life of St. Matthias, who, though less known than some of the other apostles, dedicated his ministry to serving the poor and marginalized and those who were hostile towards him. His acts of goodness and mercy, often performed quietly and without seeking recognition, were a powerful witness to the love of Christ.

As we seek to cultivate goodness in our own lives, let us be inspired by these examples and continually recall to mind that goodness is not a passive quality but an active engagement with the world around us. It calls us to be agents of change, to use our resources, talents, and time to make a difference in the lives of others. In embracing the virtue of goodness, we are invited to participate in the divine life of God, who is the ultimate Good. May our fasting and prayers during this sacred season be accompanied by acts of goodness that bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. Let us go forth with a renewed commitment to do good to all, knowing that in doing so, we serve Christ Himself.

Let us pray:

Lord of all goodness, we thank You for the example of Your saints, who have shown us the path of righteousness and goodness. As we journey through this fast, open our eyes to the needs of those around us. Grant us the courage to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with You. May our lives reflect Your goodness and may we be instruments of Your love in a world that so desperately needs it. Help us to remember that every act of kindness, no matter how small, is a reflection of Your divine love. Amen.