The Gift of Understanding

Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things.

2 Timothy 2:7

If the gift of Knowledge enables us to see God's truth, the gift of Understanding enables us to grasp those truths on the deepest spiritual level.

Catholic Answers calls it "penetrating insight into the very heart of things, especially those higher truths that are necessary for our eternal salvation." It enables us to dig beneath the surface, and is a faculty of spirit rather than mind.

Give me grace O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, ‘Speak Lord for Your servant heareth.’ Amen.

Come, O Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten our minds, that we may know and believe all the mysteries of salvation; and may merit at last to see the eternal light in Thy Light; and in the light of glory to have a clear vision of Thee and the Father and the Son. Amen.

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The Gift of Fortitude

 At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”

Matthew 14:27 

The gift of Fortitude gives us courage and strength. At its greatest it has give us the ability to withstand the vilest forms of persecution. In everyday life it enables us the strength to take on difficult tasks, to persist in God's work in spite of every barrier, and to overcome discouragement. It enables married people to weather inevitable ups and downs of a relationship. It helps the consecrated weather the challenges of lifelong vows. It gives the young the ability to take on heroic deeds and the old to endure.

 Give me grace O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, ‘Speak Lord for Your servant heareth.’ Amen.

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold my soul in time of trouble and adversity, sustain my efforts in holiness, strengthen my weakness, give me courage against all the assaults of my enemies, that I may never be overcome and separated from You, my God and greatest Good. Amen.  

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The Gift of Piety

 

You should make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with endurance, and endurance with piety, and piety with mutual affection, and mutual affection with love.

2Peter 1:5-7

Piety is the gift that inclines us to have great affection for God as his children, so much so that we are happily led to fully practice our faith and do the works he sends us. It brings about respect for legitimate authority, affection for the Blessed Mother, the saints and the people of God, and cheerful obiedience to the demands of faith.

Give me grace O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, ‘Speak Lord for Your servant heareth.’ Amen.

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Piety, possess my heart. Enkindle therein such a love for God that I may find satisfaction only in His service and, for His sake, lovingly submit to all legitimate authority. Amen.

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The Gift of Fear

 

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!     Psalm 111:10

We've spoken about the fruits of the Spirit before, those lovely signs that a person is living in the life of the Holy Spirit. During the nine day Pentecost novena we pray for a renewal of the gifts we received at Confirmation, gifts meant to enable us to live that life and produce fruit. 

But the gift of fear? Seriously? Are we meant to shake in our boots? No.

The Hebrew words used in passages such as the psalms are yir’ah or yare’, which convey reverence and respect.  The Greek word used in later texts is phobos, which can describe both dread and veneration. Basically Fear of the Lord refers to giving God his due in awe, respect, and submission.

It is the beginning of wisdom because it puts creatures in right relationship with the creator and is the foundation of reverence and love.

Give me grace O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, ‘Speak Lord for Your servant heareth.’ Amen.

Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set you, my Lord and God, before my face forever in reverence and awe, help me to shun all things that can offend You, and make me worthy to appear before You in heaven, where You live and reign in the unity of the ever Blessed Trinity, God world without end. Amen.   

Click on the full novena prayers here.

 

9 Days

 But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses … to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8

 

Philadelphia's archbishop likes to tell young people, "Never underestimate the Spirit of God in you, through you, and in spite of you."

The Feast of the Ascension always gives us the opportunity to observe the first and greatest novena—nine days of prayer leading up to the celebration of Pentecost. It is an opportunity to renew gifts and graces received in Confirmation and to open our hearts to the Holy Spirit.

 

Give me grace O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, ‘Speak Lord for Your servant heareth.’ Amen. 

 

Almighty and eternal God, Who has regenerated us by water and the Holy Spirit, and has given us forgiveness all sins, vouchsafe to send forth from heaven upon us your sevenfold Spirit, the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and fortitude, the Spirit of Knowledge and Piety, and fill us with the Spirit of Holy Fear. Amen. 

Click on the full novena prayers here.