John and Lisa's Blue Skies Blog – Soaring with God

The Catholic Church, based on Chapter 11 of the book of the prophet Isaiah, lists seven gifts of the Holy Spirit that are conferred on believers:
1) Wisdom
2) Understanding
3) Right Judgement (or Counsel)
4) Courage (or Fortitude)
5) Knowledge
6) Reverence (or Piety)
7) Awe in God’s Presence

At first, I found this teaching confusing because it seemed that wisdom, understanding and knowledge were basically the same thing.  In quiet contemplation, I realized we need all three because:  Knowledge is in the mind; Understanding is in the heart; and Wisdom intuitively combines and transcends them both.

Come, Holy Spirit – and renew the face of the earth!