THE GIFTS

Galatians 5:25

If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.

We receive the Gifts of the Holy Spirit when we are infused with sanctifying grace, the life of God within us—as, for example, when we receive a sacrament worthily. These seven gifts help us to live a Christian life.

Ø Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom, that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal;

Ø The Spirit of Understanding, to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth;

Ø The Spirit of Counsel, that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven;

Ø The Spirit of Fortitude, that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation;

Ø The Spirit of Knowledge, that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints;

Ø The Spirit of Piety, that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable;

Ø The Spirit of Fear of the Lord, that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him.

As Pope John Paul II said, "With gifts and qualities such as these, we are equal to any task and capable of overcoming any difficulties." The divine Spirit shapes, empowers, and gives us joy. The gift a Christian lives in every day, most fundamentally, is the Holy Spirit.

Let us pray +

O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven, did promise to send the Holy Ghost to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul the work of Your grace and Your love. Mark me, dear Lord, with the sign of Your true disciples and animate me in all things with Your Spirit.

Amen +

Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life.