GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT SERIES Part 4; Pray for the Gift of Knowledge: May 25th, 2025 In today's world, opinions and beliefs are diverse and complex, making it challenging to discern absolute truth. However, God has given us a special gift - the Holy Spirit's gift of knowledge. This gift enables us to understand ourselves, the world around us, and our relationship with God. The gift of knowledge helps us see created things in their proper perspective, recognizing their limitations and potential to lead us to God or away from Him. It allows us to use created things in a right and holy way, rather than making idols out of them. As Saint Augustine noted, "The gift of knowledge befits those who mourn, because they have learned a hard lesson by the difficulty of defeat they experience whenever they seek evil things as goods." The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that the gift of knowledge is one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, which "enables us to judge rightly about created things in relation to our ultimate end" (CCC 1831). It helps us "to discern the signs of the times" (CCC 1831)and to understand the mysteries of God's plan. Let's consider a practical example of how the gift of knowledge might work in everyday life. Imagine you're considering buying a new car, and you're torn between two different models. One model is sleek and shiny, with all the latest features, but it's also very expensive. The other model is more practical and affordable, but it doesn't have all the bells and whistles. With the gift of knowledge, you might see beyond the surface-level appeal of the flashy car and recognize that it's not just about the car's features, but about what's driving your desire for it. You might realize that you're being tempted by a desire for status or prestige, rather than a genuine need for a reliable vehicle. This insight could help you make a more informed decision, one that's guided by your values and priorities rather than just your emotions or desires. You might choose the more practical and affordable option, not just because it's cheaper, but because it aligns better with your goals and values. With the gift of knowledge, we can discern the truth and deepen our understanding of Scripture. Pope Francis has encouraged us to seek a deeper understanding of God's plan and to live out our faith in practical ways. This gift is not for personal gain or intellectual superiority but for the good of the Church and humble service to others. To nurture this gift, we need to pray for guidance and discernment, engage in guided study of Scripture and the writings of saints, and receive the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and reconciliation. By embracing the gift of knowledge, we can draw closer to God's truth and live out our faith in practical ways, just as Pope Benedict XVI encouraged us to seek "the exhortation to prayer as the path of 'salvation for souls' and, likewise, 'the summons to penance and conversion.'" Come, Holy Spirit, pour on us your gift of knowledge. Having purified our faith with wisdom and understanding, help us, everywhere and always, to serve you faithfully, to put our faith into consistent, coherent, concrete action. Amen.