TLDR;
This video explores the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit as described in Isaiah 11, which are wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord. These gifts, anticipated with the coming of the Messiah, empower believers to live according to God's will, make morally sound decisions, and prioritize eternal values over temporary concerns.
- The gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord.
- Wisdom is seeing life from God's perspective, while understanding and knowledge involve insight into holy things.
- Counsel is practical reason in moral decision-making, and fortitude is the courage to do what is right despite opposition.
- Piety is a sense of what is owed to God, expressed through worship, and fear of the Lord is prioritizing God's will above all worldly dangers.
Introduction: Isaiah 11 and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit [0:00]
The video begins with a reflection on Isaiah 11, which describes the coming of the Messiah and the gifts of the Holy Spirit that accompany him. The passage speaks of a shoot sprouting from the stump of Jesse, embodying wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, and fear of the Lord. This imagery, depicted in places like Shard Cathedral, connects ancient Israel to Christian tradition. These gifts are not just for the Messiah but are extended to believers, calling them into a shared life with Christ.
Wisdom: Seeing Life from God's Perspective [2:28]
The first gift discussed is wisdom, described as "the view from the hilltop" or seeing life from the standpoint of the highest cause. It's about perceiving the totality of one's experience as God sees it, understanding events from the aspect of eternity. This perspective is rare, as many people focus on immediate concerns, but wisdom allows individuals to see their lives as God does, offering a transformative understanding.
Understanding and Knowledge: Insight into Holy Things [4:04]
Understanding and knowledge are coupled together and involve insight into holy things, such as the Eucharist, the Incarnation, the meaning of the Cross, and the Trinity. While people spend time understanding worldly matters, these gifts encourage individuals to search out and savor the meaning of divine truths. These gifts are a foretaste of heaven, where eternity is spent exploring the deep and mysterious aspects of God, orienting individuals toward what truly matters beyond earthly preoccupations.
Counsel: Practical Reason in Moral Decision-Making [6:45]
Counsel is a practical gift, described as "right reason in regard to things to be done." It involves knowing the morally right thing to do and understanding what God wants in a given situation. Just as a skilled golfer manages their game with practical reason, counsel allows individuals to navigate their relationship with God and live according to His plans. This gift enables individuals to find the path of love in the present moment, discerning the most loving course of action.
Fortitude: Courage to Do What Is Right [9:36]
Fortitude is the courage needed to do the right thing, which is often difficult and costly in a fallen world. Opposition is expected when walking the path of the Lord, making courage essential for living according to God's will. Fortitude strengthens individuals to persevere despite challenges, enabling them to uphold their faith and values in the face of adversity.
Piety: A Sense of What Is Owed to God [10:40]
Piety is a keen sense of what is owed to God, expressed through worship and praise. It is a virtue of justice, recognizing that God, as the creator and sustainer, is due reverence and gratitude. The failure to worship regularly is seen as a failure of piety and justice. A pious person knows what is owed to God and enthusiastically participates in acts of worship.
Fear of the Lord: Prioritizing God's Will [12:05]
Fear of the Lord means being more afraid of not doing God's will than of any danger in the world. It involves prioritizing God's will above popularity, job security, reputation, or even life itself. This fear is exemplified by martyrs who choose to uphold God's will even in the face of death. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit that empowers individuals to remain steadfast in their commitment to God.
Conclusion: Awaiting the Gifts of the Messiah [13:31]
In conclusion, the video encourages viewers to reflect on Isaiah 11 and the gifts of the Holy Spirit as they await the arrival of the Messiah at Christmas. The best way to prepare is to watch for these gifts, wait for them, and pray for them, opening themselves to receive and embody these divine attributes.
