Gifts of the Holy Spirit

During Confirmation prep, many of us probably had to memorize the list of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. These gifts are what we receive from the Holy Spirit who is poured out in full into our hearts in the sacrament of Confirmation. But how many of us know what each individual gift is, what they do for us? Well, St. Thomas Aquinas gives us the answer:

• Wisdom is both the knowledge of and judgment about “divine things” and the ability to judge and direct human affairs according to divine truth.

• Understanding is penetrating insight into the very heart of things, especially those higher truths that are necessary for our eternal salvation—in effect, the ability to “see” God.

• Counsel allows a man to be directed by God in matters necessary for his salvation.

• Fortitude denotes a firmness of mind in doing good and in avoiding evil, particularly when it is difficult or dangerous to do so, and the confidence to overcome all obstacles, even deadly ones, by virtue of the assurance of everlasting life.

• Knowledge is the ability to judge correctly about matters of faith and right action, so as to never wander from the straight path of justice.

• Piety is, principally, revering God with filial (son-like) affection, paying worship and duty to God, paying due duty to all people on account of their relationship to God, and honoring the saints and not contradicting Scripture. The Latin word “pietas” denotes the reverence that we give to our father and to our country; since God is the Father of all, the worship of God is also called piety.

• Fear of God is, in this context, “filial” or chaste fear whereby we revere God and avoid separating ourselves from him—as opposed to “servile” fear, whereby we fear punishment.