Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Overview

• The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are:
  • Wisdom
  • Understanding
  • Knowledge
  • Counsel
  • Fortitude
  • Piety
  • Fear of the Lord

Origin

• Biblical Reference: Taken from Isaiah 11:1-2

  • "A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse..."
  • Describes the Spirit of the Lord resting upon the Messiah, including gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and fear of the Lord.

• St. Thomas Aquinas: Wrote extensively about these gifts and their significance.

Significance of the Gifts

• Catechism Reference:
  • Catechism number 1831 discusses the importance of these gifts.
• Role in Moral Life:
  • Gifts sustain moral life and complete/perfect the virtues.
  • Necessary for living a virtuous life.
  • Help us become "docile" or students of the Spirit.

Description of Each Gift

• Wisdom:

  • Deep thinking and the ability to make insightful decisions.

• Understanding:

  • Awareness and compassion, understanding others' thoughts and feelings.

• Knowledge:

  • Beyond information; understanding how to make good decisions based on information.

• Counsel (Right Judgment):

  • Ability to discern right from wrong and make good decisions.

• Fortitude (Courage):

  • Strength to resist fear and overcome obstacles.

• Piety (Reverence):

  • Ability to worship God and rely on Him through prayer.

• Fear of the Lord (Wonder and Awe):

  • Not fear in a scary sense, but an awe of God and a desire to remain close to Him.
  • Similar to a child's fear of separation from parents.

Context in Sacraments

• Gifts of the Holy Spirit are associated with the sacrament of confirmation.
• Confirmation completes baptism, where these gifts are initially received.