Defining Moments July 2007

Gifts of the Holy Spirit: From Isaiah 11:2, the seven gifts are wisdom, understanding, knowledge, fortitude (or courage), counsel, piety (or love) and fear of the Lord. These gifts are given by Christ to His followers to assist them in following the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

Gifts, Supernatural: Spiritual blessings, superior to those of the human condition, that, when infused, enable one to live by God’s grace. These gifts are, among others, the theological virtues (faith, hope, charity) and the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.

God, Presence of: About the manifestation of the Creator in human life, Lumen Gentium teaches: “God shows to men, in a vivid way, His presence and His face in the lives of those companions of ours in the human condition who are more perfectly transformed into the image of Christ.”

Goodness: Term describing God and all that He has made. He is without limit and is perfect. His creatures, especially humans, participate in His goodness and therefore are good themselves (although they are limited and not perfect). One may increase in goodness by exercising free will to grow closer to Christ by frequenting the sacraments and performing charitable works.

Grace: The supernatural gift from God to assist people in achieving eternal salvation. An undeserved gift to which individuals have no right or claim, grace comes simply from the benevolent nature of God.

Guardian Angels: Those created heavenly spirits whose job is to assist those to whom they have been commended. Guardian angels intercede for, guide to holiness, and protect from harm those entrusted to them.