At Confirmation, the bishop prayed over you: "Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit." You received a spiritual "toolkit" containing 7 superpowers.
But for many of us, those tools are still wrapped in plastic, sitting in the basement of our souls. We haven't activated them.
Here is a practical breakdown of the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:2-3) and what they look like in real life.
1. Wisdom (Sapientia)
What it is: Seeing everything from God's perspective. It comes from the Latin sapere (to taste). It is "tasting" the truth of God. Real Life: You lose your job, but instead of panicking, you feel a deep sense that God has a plan. You see the big picture.
2. Understanding (Intellectus)
What it is: Grasping the deeper meaning of the truths of the faith. It transforms "book knowledge" into "heart knowledge." Real Life: You've heard "Jesus loves you" a million times, but suddenly, during Mass, it clicks. You realize, "Wow, He really loves ME."
3. Counsel (Right Judgment)
What it is: Spiritual intuition. Knowing the right thing to do in a specific situation, almost by instinct. Real Life: You are in a tricky conversation. You don't know what to say, but suddenly the perfect words come out of your mouth to bring peace.
4. Fortitude (Courage)
What it is: The strength to do the right thing even when it is hard, scary, or painful. Real Life: Everyone at work is gossiping. You feel the pressure to join in, but you feel a strength to walk away or change the subject. That's fortitude.
5. Knowledge (Scientia)
What it is: Knowing God through creation and seeing how created things relate to the Creator. It helps us not to idolize money, fame, or people. Real Life: You look at a beautiful sunset or hold a baby and instantly think of God's artistry. You use technology/money/sex in the right way, without being addicted to them.
6. Piety (Reverence)
What it is: A child-like affection for God. Experiencing God as a loving Father, not a distant boss. Real Life: You pray not because you "have to," but because you want to talk to your Dad. You respect holy things (the Bible, the altar) naturally.
7. Fear of the Lord (Wonder and Awe)
What it is: NOT being scared of God like a monster. It is the fear of separating yourself from Him because He is so good. It is like holding a precious vase — you are careful not because the vase will hurt you, but because you don't want to break it. Real Life: You are tempted to sin, but the thought of disappointing God hurts you more than the pleasure of the sin attracts you.
How to Activate Them
These gifts are dormant until you use them. Ask for them. "Come, Holy Spirit. Give me Counsel for this decision. Give me Fortitude for this conversation." He is waiting to be asked.
Open your gifts. Don't leave them in the box. Pray the "Come Holy Spirit" prayer daily on the MyPrayerTower app.