Those who are truly great among the followers of Jesus will be nothing like the great among the Gentiles. Those who follow Jesus find their greatness in serving others, "Doing small things with great love," to quote Mother Teresa. Would that describe us and those who are considered great among us?

Notice the word "fruit" is singular. If we are not producing all of the fruit of the spirit that St. Paul names here then what are we producing?

Everyone in the world is gifted. Can we help people recognize those gifts and offer them to God by serving God's people? Is this true spiritual formation? If so, how are we forming each other in the faith?

The good religious people foreclose on the houses of widows (the poorest of the poor) while saying beautiful prayers. A widow gives everything to God while other only give a small portion. Who is pleasing to God in this picture?

Jesus eating with a tax collector????? Tax collectors were viewed as the most self-serving segment of the population of the time, currying favor with the Romans and exploiting their neighbors for their self-serving ends. Does Jesus have another way of life to offer Zacchaeusand to us?

If this sounds like the ever popular prosperity gospel, read it again. Paul is taking up a collection for the saints (read the poor) in Jerusalem. The indescribable gift we have received from God includes but is not limited to material goods. All the things God has given so generously are so we can give them away generously