- St. Thomas Aquinas
When I was younger we used to say Holy Ghost. One day Sister told us that we were now suppose to say Holy Spirit. I never understood why we needed to change God's name. I think they thought the word ghost might scare us or lead us to think of Casper the friendly ghost. I still slip up sometimes and say Holy Ghost instead of Holy Spirit.
On this feast of Pentecost we are reminded of the fear of the unknown that must have caused sleepless nights for those gathered in the room. Were they afraid that the Jews would attempt to have them put to death? Yet, the Paraclete came! The Paraclete was like armor that they could put on and go out without fear and proclaim the Word of God!
I sometimes forget that the Paraclete is there right beside me ready to give me voice and courage to do what is right in the eyes of God. Today Fr. Charlie reminded us of the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. I couldn't remember them. Father must have been looking at a lot of troubled faces because he said that he couldn't remember them either and had to look them up.
They are: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Knowledge, Fortitude, Piety and Fear of the Lord (Wonder and Awe).
I know that I not only couldn't remember them. I don't use them often enough. Seven wonderful gifts to help make my life easier.
So my prayer is from an ancient hymn written by Rabanus Maurus (776-856)
Come Holy Ghost, Creator blest
and in our hearts take up Thy rest;
come with Thy grace and heavenly aid,
To fill the hearts which Thou hast made.
O Comforter, to Thee we cry,
Thou heavenly gift of God most high,
Thou Font of life and Fire of love,
and sweet anointing from above.
Thy light to every sense impart,
and shed Thy love in every heart;
Thine own unfailing might supply
to strengthen our infirmity.
Drive far away our ghostly foe,
and Thine abiding peace bestow;
if Thou be our preventing Guide,
no evil can our steps betide.
Praise we the Father and the Son
and the Holy Spirit with them One;
and may the Son on us bestow
the gifts that from the Spirit flow.
~Cindy
