The Gift of Knowledge 

Knowledge is the gift of “practical know-how” in the spiritual life. What the Gift of Understanding helps us grasp in theory, the Gift of Knowledge helps us live out in practice.  

What is the best way not to be bored at Mass? How make Mass the “source and summit” of my Christian life? How can I get the most out of Confession—and enjoy it? Am I praying in the way that’s best for me? How use my temptations for growth? Make suffering meaningful? Be united with God during work? Make my family a Christian community? “Choose and use” my parish intelligently? Let Christianity make me a better friend, neighbor, spouse, parent, and person? 

Someone said, “Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has never been tried.” Do I know how to use what I know to grow into a deeper, experienced relationship with Jesus, the Father, and the Spirit? Into loving interaction with other people? Have I ever really tried to be a full-time, full-performance Christian? One who draws people to Christ?  

To use the Gift of Knowledge: Read the “operators manual” for living divine Life—the Bible—asking constantly, “How?” Read spiritual books that focus on action (go to immersedinchrist.org and dynamiccatholic.com, official site). Join an action-oriented discussion group. Discuss practical questions with (carefully chosen) friends. Use Confession as a progress report with a “Pope Francis priest” who focuses on spirituality, not laws. 

One simple suggestion: Before everything you do, ask “How does this bear witness to the values of Christ?” 

— Fr. David M. Knight

View today’s Mass readings on the USCCB website here

Easter season is the time to focus on the Holy Spirit. Starting on Easter Sunday, we will look carefully at how the Spirit is proclaimed, invoked, and presented to us in the Mass. Lex orandi, lex credendi: “As the Church prays, so she believes.”

After that, we will reflect on the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:2; Galatians 5:22), and at how the Spirit enters the life of those who believe.

As you read these reflections, ask for the gift of Understanding. Ask to really understand what you believe, what you see and hear at Mass. Go deeper into understanding the Mass than you ever have before. We experience the Faith when we become aware of its mystery. We hope you reflect deeply on the Mass and Gifts of the Holy Spirit, and find yourself more and more drawn into the mysteries of our Lord in the Mass and in His Gifts.