THE GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE. Consideration and prayer
CONSIDERATION
The gift of knowledge enables man to understand created things as signs which lead to God, and the meaning of their elevation to the supernatural order. Through the world of nature and grace the Holy Spirit enables us to perceive and contemplate the infinite wisdom, power and goodness of God. God’s nature is reflected in created things. Like the gifts of understanding and of wisdom, the gift of knowledge is a contemplative gift enabling us to see into the very mystery of God (M.M. Philipon, The Gifts of the Holy Spirit, Madrid).
Through this gift a Christian perceives and understands that all creation, the movement of the earth and the other heavenly bodies, the good actions of creatures and all the good that has been achieved in history, in short, everything, comes from God and is directed toward him (J. Escrivá, Christ is passing by, 130). This gift is a supernatural disposition whereby the soul participates in God’s knowledge, grasps the relationship between creatures and their Creator, and perceives how and in what way creation serves man’s last end.
Through the gift of knowledge the Christian who is docile to the Holy Spirit will learn to discern perfectly between what leads to God and what separates from him, in the field of arts, of fashion, and in the world of ideas. Truly he will be able to say that wisdom guided him on straight paths; she showed him the kingdom of God, and gave him knowledge of angels (Wis 10:10). The Holy Spirit himself will warn us when what is good and true in itself is in danger of becoming bad by leading us away from our last supernatural end. It could be a disordered desire for material possessions, or an attachment to these goods in a way that does not leave the heart free to serve God. SOURCE: ICWG, vol. 2, n.88
PRAYER
“Holy Spirit, grant us that we may judge all earthly things, not according to worldly standards of men, but as God himself judges them in his perfect and Eternal Light. Grant us, therefore, that divine wisdom, which is foolishness in the eyes of men, and to despise worldly wisdom, which is folly in the eyes of God. Do not allow our hearts to become unduly attached to anything that passes away—whether it be earthly wealth, worldly pleasures, or our own will. Help us, so that being solely eager to please our Heavenly Father, we may act in all circumstances according to the example of Jesus and Mary, always in accord with your divine inspirations, and for his greater glory! (A. Riaud, The Holy Spirit Acting in Our Souls).”