And not only is this change an undoubted fact to the person concerned, it is also noticed by others.  Just as in the Acts of the Apostles the chief priests recognised that Peter and John had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13) so today the converted Christian’s association with Jesus is revealed by his or her manner of life.  By their fruits are they known, the fruits of the Spirit of Christ within them (see Matthew 7:16-18).

There will be love, an attitude of goodwill to all and a spirit of fellowship with those who want to love and serve Our Lord. 

There will be joy, a new-found happiness which is independent of the happiness that the world professes to provide: for let us not forget that the practice of our holy Faith cannot fail to make people happy.

There will be inward peace, resting on the sure conviction of God’s love and care, and of the reality of his forgiveness when in penitence this is asked for and received.

There will be a new patience in the face of vexations and annoyances: where before they provoked ill-temper, now they are met with calmness and self-control.

And there will be gentleness and courtesy, in the face of abuse or arrogance or ill manners, as Our Lord’s own teaching and example are followed.