A Guide to the Gifts and Charisms of the Holy Spirit

What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit?  

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are special abilities or blessings that are believed to be given by the Holy Spirit to individuals for the good of the Church and to build up the Body of Christ. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are described in several passages in the New Testament, but are most notably listed in the Book of 1 Corinthians 12:8-10. According to this passage, the gifts of the Holy Spirit include: 

1. Wisdom: The ability to understand the truth about God and to live in accordance with that truth.
2. Understanding: A deeper insight into the mysteries of faith.
3. Counsel (Right Judgment): The ability to make good decisions, especially in difficult circumstances.
4. Fortitude (Courage): The strength to stand up for one's beliefs, even in the face of persecution.
5. Knowledge: A deeper appreciation for God's creation and the wisdom to apply this knowledge in daily life.
6. Piety (Reverence): A deep respect for God and all that is holy.
7. Fear of the Lord: A healthy awe and reverence for God, which leads to a deeper relationship with Him.

 These gifts are not meant to be kept to oneself, but rather are to be used for the good of others and to build up the Church. In addition to these seven gifts, the Holy Spirit is also believed to give individuals different charisms, or special abilities, that are unique to each person and are used to serve the needs of the Church and the world. 

What are the charisms of the Holy Spirit?  Charisms are special gifts or abilities given by the Holy Spirit to individuals for the purpose of building up the Church and serving the needs of the world. The charisms are often described as being more specific and individualized than the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which are seen as more general blessings that are given to all baptized Christians. Some of the most common Charisms of the Holy Spirit include: 

1. Prophecy: The ability to receive and communicate messages from God, often in the form of preaching or teaching.
2. Healing: The power to perform physical healings or to bring comfort and peace to those who are suffering.
3. Miracles: The ability to perform acts that are beyond human explanation, such as the multiplication of food or the calming of a storm.
4. Tongues: The ability to speak in languages that are not known to the speaker, as a sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit.
5. Interpretation of Tongues: The ability to understand and interpret a message given in a tongue.
6. Discernment of Spirits: The ability to distinguish between the voice of God and the voice of evil.
7. Hospitality: A special love for and ability to care for strangers and those in need.
8. Administration: The ability to manage resources and finances effectively, often in the context of the Church.

 These are just a few examples of the many different charisms that the Holy Spirit is believed to give to individuals. It is important to remember that these charisms are not meant to be used for personal gain or recognition, but rather are to be used to serve others and to build up the Church. Charisms are also not limited to a specific group of people; rather, they can be given to anyone who is open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

How can I receive the gifts of Holy Spirit?  

The gifts of the Holy Spirit, also known as the charisms, they are special blessings or abilities given by the Holy Spirit to individuals for the good of the Church and to build up the Body of Christ. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are often described in the New Testament, particularly in the Book of 1 Corinthians. According to Catholic teaching, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are received through the sacrament of Confirmation, which is typically administered to young people when they are between the ages of 10 and 18. Confirmation is seen as a rite of passage in which the individual is strengthened and confirmed in their faith, and is empowered to live out their vocation as a disciple of Jesus Christ. However, receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit is not just a one-time event. It is a lifelong process of discernment and growth, as individuals seek to understand and use their gifts for the good of others and to bring glory to God. This can be done through prayer, study of the scriptures, and being open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is important to note that while some individuals may feel a strong sense of being called to a particular gift, such as teaching or healing, others may not experience a clear and distinct calling. Nevertheless, all baptized Christians are considered to have been given the gifts of the Holy Spirit and are called to use their unique talents and abilities for the good of the Church and the world. 

What steps can I take to acquire the charisms of the Holy Spirit? 

The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are considered to be charisms and are believed to be special graces given by the Holy Spirit to individuals to help them better fulfill their spiritual journey. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are gifts from God and cannot be earned through merit or hard work. However, here are some steps you can take to open yourself up to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit: 

1. Pray for the gifts: Pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit, asking for the grace to receive them and to use them for the glory of God.
2. Seek a deep relationship with God: To receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, it's important to seek a deep and personal relationship with God through prayer, reflection, and service.
3. Study the gifts: Learn about the gifts of the Holy Spirit and what they mean. Study the scriptural references to the gifts, and consider how they can be used to benefit you and those around you.
4. Seek guidance: Seek guidance from a trusted spiritual mentor, priest, or spiritual director to help you understand the gifts of the Holy Spirit and how to use them.
5. Practice virtue: The gifts of the Holy Spirit are believed to be given to individuals who practice virtue and live a life of holiness. Seek to live a virtuous life by following the teachings of Jesus and living in accordance with the values of the Catholic Church.
6. Serve others: The gifts of the Holy Spirit are often given to those who serve others, using their gifts to help others and bring about the kingdom of God. Consider how you can use your talents and abilities to serve others in your community.
7. Practice humility: Humility is an important virtue in the Catholic Church, and it is believed that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to those who practice humility. Seek to be humble in your thoughts, words, and actions, and seek to put the needs of others before your own.

Remember, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are gifts from God and are not something that can be earned through merit or hard work. By seeking a deeper relationship with God, practicing virtue, serving others, and seeking guidance, you can open yourself up to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit and use them to enrich your spiritual journey. Prepared by JG Vadukkoot.