Don’t Hold Back the Work of the Holy Spirit(June 1 2022) Don’t Hold Back the Work of the Holy Spirit
We too have received the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, fear of the Lord. Most of us don’t think of our gifts and talents as gifts of the Spirit. God gave all of us these spiritual gifts to use for worship and for service. Our spiritual gifts in action serve each other, the church and the community. Through prayer and God’s grace With these gifts in our hearts, we respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit as if by instinct. The gift of wisdom, allows us to see things from God’s point of view. It helps us to know the nature of God. Understanding helps us to walk in a way pleasing to God. Counsel gives us the ability to hear the Holy Spirit in our hearts and to show us what to do. Fortitude gives us a firmness of spirit and helps us overcome difficulties. It gives us strength to persevere. Piety helps us be motivated by justice and love of neighbour. It helps us to serve with humility. Fear of the Lord, is often misunderstood. It means to marvel in the greatness of God. it rouses our souls to adore Him as the creator, as the supreme judge. It gives us respect for his majesty. These gifts are for the work of the ministry, for building up the Church on earth. They are for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ. They are to be accepted with gratitude. However, they are not for us. Their true value is seen when they are given away under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Authentic gifts build up the Church and bring growth and unity. They bring peace for the individual and the community. We have all received these gifts. Ask the Holy Spirit how you should use them. Deacon John Girolami |
