By Father Fred Edlefsen

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are supernatural “dispositions” given at Baptism and deepened at Confirmation. They are Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Counsel, Piety, Courage, and Fear of the Lord. Like a boat’s sails, they catch the “wind” of the Holy Spirit. Previously, I said that Wisdom gives us intimate knowledge of God, and it perfects love. Understanding perfects faith, and it gives insight into the Bible and the teachings of Christ and his Church. So, what is the Gift of Knowledge?

Through Knowledge, the Holy Spirit helps us to see the human condition as it really is: good but profoundly broken. Knowledge de-romanticizes our outlook on life. “Jesus did not entrust himself to them…for he knew what was in man” (John 2:24-25). Through Knowledge, the Holy Spirit gives intuitive insight into humanity’s fallen condition.

Why is there so much injustice in the world? Why do innocent people suffer? Why are some people so cruel and mean? Through Knowledge, we begin to see through all of this. To some extent and on some occasions, Knowledge may have us “read souls.” We gain insight into people’s behaviors in ways that help us and them, but with empathy. “The spiritual man appraises all things” (1 Corinthians 2:15).

If you suspect the Spirit is working in you through Knowledge, keep humble and do not let it go to your head. Certainly, do not go around telling people about it. Pride would be lethal, and the Spirit will withdraw. Also, the insights you receive through Knowledge may not be what you expect or want. At first, they may be disturbing. But Knowledge leads to wisdom and even peace.

Knowledge may help you help others. The Gift sometimes gives a person healing qualities.

St. Francis of Assisi embodied this Gift: He saw the vanity of “worldliness” and the tragic reality of sin; and yet, he embraced Creation as a revelation of the Father’s goodness. Knowledge chastens us. If you have trouble controlling yourself with pleasure or worldliness, this Gift of the Spirit will sober you up. It performs “surgery” on the senses. Knowledge perfects the virtue of temperance. At first, it might make you sad. But the sadness will give way to consolation from Heaven. Knowledge produces the Beatitude, “Blessed are the sorrowful, they shall be consoled.”