Feast of Pentecost – C
June 8, 2025 11am
Our Lady of Grace Parish, Bel Air
Receiving Gifts
I think it’s safe to say that most of us enjoy receiving a gift.
Usually, we don’t waste much time unwrapping the gift or pulling it out of a gift bag. Seldom would we just put a wrapped gift away somewhere and not open it.
And maybe we would never end up with a whole shelf or closet of gifts that we have never opened. We just wouldn’t do that.
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
I’m thinking about these ordinary gifts that most of us receive from time to time because of today’s celebration of Pentecost.
Today we celebrate the Holy Spirit. And we believe that God, the Holy Spirit gives us some gifts.
We call these the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. We receive these at baptism and then again at Confirmation.
In religion classes, we learn about these seven gifts. But maybe it is fair to ask: have we ever really unwrapped them?
Have we really allowed them to come alive in us? This morning, I want to look at these gifts with you and let’s try to see which one we especially need to unwrap and allow to come alive right now.
There are handouts in your seats, and I would ask you to pass them down so that everyone has a copy. I think this will make it easier to follow along and reflect on these seven gifts.
1. Wisdom
So, first, the Gift of Wisdom frees me from living on the surface. With this Gift, I look beyond actions and statements to what they really mean.
Wisdom helps me to see the long-range consequences of what I am doing. It helps me to see the big picture of life and make decisions or form opinions based on that.
2. Understanding
Then, the Gift of Understanding frees me from being narrow-minded. With this Gift, I “stand under” – to flip the syllables of the word – I “stand under” another person and see things from their perspective.
Understanding or “standing under” helps me to think and feel what another person is thinking and feeling. It helps me to experience common ground with persons who are different from me.
3. Counsel
Next, the Gift of Counsel frees me from feeling alone when I am trying to make an important decision. With this Gift, I am willing to turn to another person for some advice.
Counsel also helps me to offer guidance to others. It helps me to listen well and to know when to speak and how to say what I feel called to say.
4. Fortitude
Then, The Gift of Fortitude frees me from caving in when the going gets tough. With this Gift, I will be consistent and steady.
Fortitude helps me to have the courage to do what I believe is right. It helps me to do the good thing even when I feel pressured to do something else.
5. Knowledge
Next, the Gift of Knowledge frees me from spiritual ignorance. With this Gift, I am able to see light and not just darkness.
Knowledge helps me to live with a sense of where I came from and where I are going. It helps me to know the way to live that is grounded in the gospel.
6. Reverence
Then, the Gift of Reverence frees me from insensitivity. With this Gift, I don’t hurt or diminish others.
Reverence helps me to respect the dignity of all persons. It also helps me to be especially respectful toward what is sacred, like the Mass and the sacrament of the Eucharist.
7. Wonder
Finally, the Gift of Wonder frees me from self-absorption. With this Gift, I can stand in awe of God’s presence.
Wonder helps me to hold all reality as loving parents would hold their children – with tenderness and great care. It helps me to pray and seek to become closer to God.
Conclusion
So, these are the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
I recommend that you pick one, pick just one of these Gifts that you especially need to unwrap and allow to come alive in you. Just pick one for this Pentecost, make it part of your prayer, and allow it to come more fully alive in you.
