Wisdom

Today we begin our 5 Minute Meditations. With the heaviness of Lent behind us, it’s time to celebrate Easter and all that the Resurrection means. Between now and Pentecost (May 23rd), we’re going to talk about Gifts and Fruits. Yes, the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Fruits of the Spirit. The blog entries will be much shorter, but you can spend as much time in meditation, contemplation and prayer as you like.

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him:  a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the Lord. And his delight shall be the fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:1-3) These seven gifts (piety is described, not labeled, in the verses that follow) are part of the blessings given the Messiah, Jesus, and therefore, given to Christians. We receive these gifts at baptism. They are strengthened in us in the sacrament of Confirmation when we affirm our identities as soldiers of Christ, that is, Christians who will battle sin in ourselves and in the world to bring about the Kingdom of Heaven.

Ponder: We are wise when we value what God values. We are wise when we use our knowledge and experience to be a better person. Pope Francis says we are wise when we see through God’s eyes, hear with God’s ears, and feel with God’s heart. Wisdom isn’t something that is found and the search is over. Seeking wisdom must continue. Everything around us is a source of wisdom.

Reflect: How can I use what I know and feel in a wise manner today? Is there a situation I need to gain more knowledge about so that I can make wiser decisions regarding it? (Or reflect on the word or phrase that stood out to you.) Talk it over with God, and listen.

Pray (and add your own words): How much better it is to acquire wisdom than gold! (Proverbs 16:16)

Thanks for joining me today! Hope you’ll stop back on Thursday. Want a reminder? Subscribe on my homepage and receive monthly mini-newsletters too. Cancel anytime.