By Father Fred Edlefsen

The Holy Spirit’s Gifts are supernatural yet subtle “dispositions” given at Baptism and more deeply at Confirmation, along with the “theological virtues” of faith, hope, and love. Wisdom is usually the first Gift mentioned among 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 by which we become intimate with Christ. When the Holy Spirit works through Wisdom, we are bonded more deeply in Jesus’ friendship. This gives us supernatural insight because Jesus is the Word of the Father through whom everything is created. Pray for this Gift if you if you feel far from God, or when life gets anxious, confusing, or sad. Through Wisdom, the Spirit helps us deal with anxiety or fear. It awakens a supernatural outlook that can only come from God. When the Holy Spirit works through Wisdom, we may sense brief moments of God’s closeness or peace. The experience may be like “savoring” God’s presence: “Taste and see the goodness of the Lord” (Psalm 34:8).

Wisdom perfects love. It’s a contemplative Gift that helps us pray. Wisdom 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).