By Fr. Frederick Edlefsen

Welcome to Pentecost! The Holy Spirit gives us supernatural gifts, subtle “intuitions,” first in Baptism and then more deeply at Confirmation. Wisdom is usually the first Gift of the Spirit mentioned among the seven (Isaiah 11:2-3). The Gifts are not to be confused with virtues or good habits. Rather, like sails on a ship, the Gifts make us available and open to the breath of the Holy Spirit, “The Spirit blows where he wills…” (John 3:8).

Wisdom is the Gift of intimacy with Christ. Through Wisdom, we bond deeply with Jesus in friendship, giving us supernatural insight because Jesus is the Father’s Word through whom everything is created and redeemed. Pray for this Gift if you feel far from God, anxious, confused, or sad. Through Wisdom, the Spirit awakens a supernatural sense of God’s closeness and peace. Through Wisdom, we “savor” God’s presence, “Taste and see the goodness of the Lord” (Psalm 34:8).

Wisdom perfects love and joyfully blossoms in the Beatitude, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” “Dear Lord, grant me Wisdom, the attendant at your throne” (Book of Wisdom 9:4).