"There are five things which will cherish and unfold the workings of the seven gifts in us. The first is a spirit of penance; ... the second is a constant study of holy Scripture, for in it the Holy Ghost speaks and perfects His work in us; the third is a daily prayer for light, in the beginning of our studies or of grave action; the fourth is mental prayer, by which our conscious union with God, and consciousness of His presence in us is kept alive: the fifth and last is a spirit of docility, a sense of dependence on God for light, guidance, strength, shelter, and safety, and an ear to hear His voice in our conscience, with a promptitude to obey when His voice is heard. . . . These five habits will continually unfold the seven gifts in our intellect and in our will, and form in us the habit of mental obedience." Cardinal Manning, The Eternal Priesthood.
"A new infusion of the Holy Spirit, brought about by fervent devotion to Him, will arouse, stir up, call into full development and harmonious action all these supernatural habits, infused into the soul as the Spirit's dowry in the moment of regeneration or justification. The theological virtues, the gifts of the Holy Ghost, even the moral virtues, lie in the depths of our souls like dormant energies and powers, so that the inspirations of the Spirit, finding these gifts spread and expanded, like sails spread to catch the wind, will impel our souls onward on the way to God, and verify in us the Prophet's saying: "They that hope in the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall take wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Abp. Zardetti, Devotion to the Holy
CALL TO ACTION: Pray for the Gift of Wisdom.
Embodying all the other gifts, as charity embraces all the other virtues, Wisdom is the most perfect of the gifts. It is the gift of Wisdom that strengthens our faith, fortifies hope, perfects charity, and promotes the practice of virtue in the highest degree. Wisdom enlightens the mind to discern and relish things divine, in the appreciation of which earthly joys lose their savor, whilst the Cross of Christ yields a divine sweetness.
Source of quotations: "Fountain of Living Water" by Rev. A. A. Lambing LL.D., 1st paragraph - page 37 & 2nd paragraph - page 284; Fr. Pustet & Co. Publishers and Booksellers (copyright 1907); Nihil Obstat: Remigius Lafort, S.T.L., Censor; Imprimatur: John M. Farley, Archbishop of New York
Photo by Trac Vu