"There is a variety of gifts, but always the same Spirit." St Paul's solution to the problem of unity and diversity within the Church arises from a deep faith and a God-given freedom of spirit. Difference and diversity often unfortunately lead to disunity and even to antagonism or hatred. Taking to heart St Paul's solution, we learn through faith to accept others without fear. Difference is to be celebrated, for wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom, as Paul affirms in another Letter [2Cor 3:17], and we may suggest that joy, and consequently celebration, is one of the most rewarding ways in which to exercise our "glorious freedom of the children of God" (Rom. 8:21).

It is pertinent to note that Paul counts joy among the "fruit of the Holy Spirit" (Gal 5:22). He speaks of this fruit when demonstrating that only by following the Spirit can we have true freedom, for true freedom must be spiritual.

In today's reading Paul mentions the Spirit, the Lord (Jesus) and God (the Father). He thus in passing refers all gifts back to the Holy Trinity, who creates, redeems and sanctifies us.