22 May 2012: The Gift of Counsel

We could stray from the path which leads to God many times. But God has reassured us: I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. (Ps 32:8) The Holy Spirit is our best Adviser, our best Teacher, our best Guide. Our Lord’s promise to his Apostles is truly heartening: When they deliver you up, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. (Mt 10:19-20) This promise of Jesus has been fulfilled in the behaviour of many Christian martyrs. It is inspiring to read about the serenity and wisdom of people with little learning, also children in these events. The Holy Spirit, who assists us in even the smallest adversities, will do so in a special way when we must confess our faith. Through the gift of wisdom, the Holy Spirit perfects the acts of the virtue of prudence which in turn tells us the means to use in any given situation. Often, we must make a decision; but always, our holiness is somehow involved. God grants the gift of wisdom to whoever are docile to the action of the Holy Spirit, so that they decide quickly and correctly. This gift is like a supernatural instinct to know what gives most glory to God. Just as prudence guides us in all our actions, the Holy Spirit is our Light and permanent guiding Principle. The Paraclete inspires us to do God’s will along the ways of charity, peace, joy, sacrifice, fulfilment of duty and fidelity in small things. This gift must first be lived in our interior life. The Paraclete acts in our soul in grace silently and gently, but forcefully. This most wise Teacher has such skilful ways of teaching us ... They are all sweetness, all affection, all goodness, all prudence, all discretion. From those teachings and the light of grace come those impulses to respond ever better to God such as the firm resolutions in our prayers and in all the day’s activities; allowing ourselves to be advised and guided by the Paraclete, make us yearn belonging entirely to God, without limitations on the action of grace. The gift of counsel is indispensable in keeping a true conscience. If we are docile, the Holy Spirit will illumine our conscience with advice. Our soul will not make excuses for faults and sins; but will react with contrition, a greater sorrow, at having offended God. This gift illumines the soul faithful to God such that moral laws are correctly applied, not yielding to human respect nor swayed by fashionable trends; but always ruled by God’s will. The Paraclete counsels us, directly or through others, about the right path which may differ from what the spirit of the world suggests. The gift of counsel corresponds to the beatitude about the merciful; one has to be merciful to know how to give helpful advice discreetly; such advice, far from disheartening will encourage them gently and forcefully. The greatest obstacle to the gift of counsel is attachment to our own judgment, lack of humility and haste in acting. Never make a decision without first stopping to consider the matter in the presence of God." He who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (Jn 8:12) If we try to follow Jesus daily, the Holy Spirit will enlighten us always. He will keep us from error if our intention is upright. Mary, Mother of Good Counsel, will win for us the necessary graces if we humbly call on her aware that alone we will often lose our way. Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 2:555-60 ` ` ` MAY DEVOTIONS ` ` ` Mary Ever Virgin “The purity, humility and generosity of Mary are in sharp contrast to our wretchedness and selfishness. To the extent we realize this, we should feel moved to imitate her. We, too, are creatures of God; and if we strive to imitate her fidelity, God will surely do great things in us. Our little worth is no obstacle, because God chooses what is of little value so the power of his love be more manifest.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Christ is passing by”, 172) Let us offer our Mother: “The prayer, ‘Blessed be your purity’.” (In Fr Charles Belmonte and Fr James Socias [Eds], “Handbook of Prayers”, 1988, p15) “Blessed be your purity, / May it be blessed for ever. “For not less than God takes delight, / In such exalted beauty. “To you, heavenly Princess, Holy Virgin Mary, / I offer on this day My whole heart, life and soul. “Look upon me with compassion, Do not leave me, my Mother.” Ref: Fr Charles Belmonte and Fr James Socias (Eds), “Handbook of Prayers”, 1988, p311 · “I love Mary, I cannot live without her: she is my real mother; the other mother is only my nurse!” -- St Joseph da Copertino (In Rev Joseph A Viano, SSP, “Two Months with Mary”, p28) · St Rita of Cascia: -- Patroness of impossible cases. (Rev Hugo Hoever, SOCist, PhD, “Lives of the Saints”, p204) Fruitfulness -- “Rectitude of intention consists in seeking ‘only and in all things’ the glory of God.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 921) • Our Lady of “Monte Vergine”, near Naples. This image preserved from flames the monastery and church consecrated in her honor. — P. Spinelli, Tractatus de exemplis et miraculis, last chapter. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com) • Our Lady of “Monte Vergine”, near Naples, Italy (1119). (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (http://mariedenazareth.com) • “Madonna della Monte Vergine” (Virgin's Mount) Naples, 1119. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm) • Our Lady of the Virgin’s Mount. Naples, Italy 1119. (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html) • Our Lady of the Virgin's Mount (Naples, Italy). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html) • Our Lady of Light (Lujan, Argentina). Moveable feast -- 4th Sunday after Easter. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html) • Our Lady of Consolation (Luxemburg). Moveable feast -- 4th Sunday after Easter. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html) • Our Lady of Publito (Queretaro, Latin America). Moveable feast -- 4th Sunday after Easter. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)