Leadership Formation Iccrs For May-june 2009

International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services Serving the Charismatic Renewal in the Catholic Church

This Issue The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit The Charism of Tongues: The Glossalaly Laying on of Hands

LEADERSHIP FORMATION Volume XXXV, Number 3

The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit by Marcos Volcan

Jesus, the Father’s only Son, the Anointed One! He came to us, says the Gospel of Saint John because, “God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” He was begotten into the womb of the Virgin Mary, by the power of the Holy Spirit; Jesus’ public life began when the Spirit, in the form of a dove, came upon the Head of Jesus. Guided by the Holy Spirit, Jesus was led into the desert, and full of the Holy Spirit He went to Nazareth, where He stood up to read the following words: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.” Through His blood and immolation on the cross, Jesus purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue, people and nation, and made them a kingdom and priests for our God.

“…when we receive the Sacrament of Baptism, we are bestowed with the gifts of this “inhabitation,” called, for this reason, Sanctifying Gifts. We receive the Spirit of Christ who acts in us in a process of configuration to the Person of the Father’s Only Son, through the action of His seven gifts.”

May – June 2009

“And they sang a new song: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.’” Revelations 5:9-10 This grace is conferred upon us through the Sacrament of Baptism, (Baptizen, in the Greek, which means immersion, submersion) “Or are you unaware that we who were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” asks the Apostle Paul to the Romans. The Apostle proceeds: “Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just

as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.” Romans 6:3-5 The Sacrament of Baptism is the source of the sanctifying grace, the “inhabitation” of the Holy Spirit, making us His Temple! It is the Spirit of the Father’s only Son Who makes us cry out “Abba, Father.” Let us focus, however, on Romans 6:5, “We have grown into union with him!” The Spirit of Filiation (since it belongs to the Father’s Only Son) is given to us and we become like a “graft into the True Vine.” We are assimilated, integrated into Christ, transforming us in Christ into One Body with Him. Everything He is and everything He achieved becomes our inheritance thanks to His Spirit who lives in us! The Apostle John says, in the Book of Revelation 5:6, “Then I saw standing in the midst of the throne and the four living creatures and the elders, a Lamb that seemed to have been slain. He had seven horns and seven eyes. These are the spirits of God sent out into the whole world.” This Spirit, who inhabits the Lamb, configures us to Jesus Christ in his seven graces and seven gifts (main mission of the Spirit). “But a shoot shall sprout from the Stump of Jesse and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,” says the Prophet Isaiah, and goes on to list the “Seven Spirits of God,” “…a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the Lord (and his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord).” In the Vulgate version of the Bible where six gifts are listed, the Greek version known as the Septuagint adds the gift of piety. Therefore the gifts of the Holy Spirit total seven, eliminating the twice mentioned fear of the Lord. Therefore, when we receive the Sacrament of Baptism, we are bestowed with the gifts (continued page 2)

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(continued from front page)

of this “inhabitation,” called, for this reason, Sanctifying Gifts. We receive the Spirit of Christ who acts in us in a process of configuration to the Person of the Father’s Only Son, through the action of His seven gifts.

Knowledge Among the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the gift of knowledge comes first for the important role it plays in our spiritual lives. The gift of knowledge replaces the mundane mentality, that is, the merely human one, with God’s knowledge. The soul begins then to judge all things though the light of faith and clearly understands the supernatural purpose of the human being and the need to subject to it all earthly realities.

Counsel The gift of counsel aims to improve the virtue of prudence, enabling the soul to immediately discern what it should do or not do, both in relation to its own conduct and others’ conduct. It is our process of reasoning being enlightened by the grace of God, Who clearly shows us what we should do or avoid doing in certain circumstances. This precise “vision” results from study and reflection, but it is also a “supernatural instinct” coming from the gift of counsel.

Understanding The gift of understanding is a supernatural disposition of the soul which enables it to understand with outstanding clarity and by intuition, certain mysteries of our faith or even passages of the Holy Scriptures. Under the illuminating action of the Holy Spirit, the soul profoundly and clearly penetrates into revealed mysteries, captures the in-depth truths of faith, and allows itself to be conducted by increasingly infused prayer.

Wisdom The gift of wisdom can be defined as a supernatural disposition of our intellect which makes us value the things of God and the glory of His name. “…for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.” Proverbs 8:11

The gift of wisdom is not learned from books, but is bestowed to the soul by God Himself, who illuminates and fills our minds, hearts, intellect and will, with love.

Piety The gift of piety consists of a supernatural disposition of the soul which leads it, under the action of the Holy Spirit, to behave in its relationship with God in the same way a very caring child behaves towards his father, by whom he feels profoundly loved.

Strength The gift of strength is the capacity that the Holy Spirit gives us to endure ordeals and unite them to Christ’s suffering. The soul that subjects itself completely to the Holy Spirit encounters, in the gift of Strength, a supernatural disposition that makes it capable of taking on the most difficult challenges and enduring the most difficult tribulations out of love for God and the glory of His Name.

Fear of the Lord The gift of fear of the Lord is a supernatural disposition of the soul which makes it experience a profound respect for God and a limitless contentment in His goodness as Father. It is not servile fear, nor even fear of displeasing Him, but fear out of reverence: His majesty and Excellency are so big and so powerful that we desire to serve Him and love Him with all our hearts, because He means everything to us. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Leadership Formation

May – June 2009

The Charism of Tongues: The Glossalaly by Darek Jeziorny

The gift of tongues is a very normal phenomenon for people involved in Charismatic Renewal. But persons who meet the charismatic type of prayer for the first time might feel disappointed because something like the glossolaly looks strange for them. St. Paul warned the Corinthians that this could happen. “So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?” 1 Cor 14:23 And this warning comes from the experience. The Apostles speaking in tongues on the day of Pentecost were laughed at. People looking at them suspected they were “filled with young wine”. (Acts 2:13) The ones who speak in tongues may be accused to be fanatics or mentally imbalanced persons. Such an accusation can touch all people who are deeply involved in prayer which is outstanding from the conventional imagination of prayer. And the example of the king David proves this. His daughter despised him when she saw him dancing and playing in the front of the Ark of the Covenant. (1 Chronicles 15:29) Nevertheless it is necessary to state that speaking in new tongues was promised by Jesus before his Ascension. “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues.” Mark 16:17 So there is nothing strange in using this charism. The problem can appear among people who do not know the biblical teaching about it. It is necessary to state there are three kinds of speaking in tongues mentioned in the Bible: 1. Prophecy in tongues takes place when one person speaks in an unknown language and the rest of participants remain in silence. Such a prophecy is fruitful if another person has a gift of interpretation and explains what was said. “I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified. Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?” 1 Corinthians 14:5-6 2. After receiving the Holy Spirit the Apostles were speaking in tongues they did not know before and these languages were understandable for Jews from different nations who came to Jerusalem for the feast (see Acts 2:4-13). It amazed these people who heard about “mighty works of God” in their own language. So this kind of the charism of tongues is a sign for people who do not believe. 3. Spontaneous worship of the Lord after receiving the outpouring the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:44-46; 19:1-7). During such a prayer many persons speak or sing in tongues simultaneously and it is a true gift of glossolaly.

Such a gift is very common for charismatic groups nowadays. The most frequent use of this charism takes place during worshiping God together. People pray simultaneously in their words, in tongues and singing songs. It is worthy to say that zealous glorifying the Lord was renewed in the church by the Charismatic Renewal and it is a very important contribution of this stream of grace for the contemporary church. The charism of tongues is also a kind of “ice-breaker” in personal contact with the Lord which could be difficult when a person is focused on himself and his problems. Worshiping God concentrates people on a person of the Lord and it opens them for the next charisms which could appear during the charismatic prayer meeting. A gift of glossolaly is also present during invoking the Holy Spirit and intercession. But it could be noticeable that during glorifying the Lord in tongues people usually sing. And asking him for something they more often speak not sing in tongues. Such a charism is very useful during intercession which is also one of the characteristic kinds of ministry in Charismatic Renewal. It is very often that people serving other persons who ask for help feel in the spirit that the requests declared are not necessary the ones these persons need. People who minister usually do not know exactly what to pray for so they pray in tongues. Then according to Word of God (Romans 8:26-27) the Spirit “helps our weaknesses”. “He who searches the hearts knows what is on the Spirit’s mind, because he makes intercession for the saints according to God”. Sometimes the Holy Spirit reveals what is the real problem of the person asking for help during prayer in tongues. Then the understanding can be proclaimed as a gift of knowledge. Sometimes is does not happen but the Holy Spirit understands what the ministering people are asking for and answers this. Summing up it is worthy to state that the gift of tongues is a supernatural way of communication with God in the Holy Spirit who is a giver of this charism. The glossolaly builds up the prayer when some people gather together in the same place to meet with God. Used during worshiping the Lord it opens for further charisms and unites members in one Spirit. But it also builds an individual person because this gift can be used during individual prayer. “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.” 1 Corinthians 14:4 One can use this charism when he feels great enthusiasm and wants to glorify God but his mind is not able to follow and “produce” the proper words to express the feelings. The gift of tongues is very useful for such occasions because it allows not to block the whole enthusiasm. But it is also good to remind that this gift does not reign over a person but a person controls a gift. So people are not enslaved receiving any charism from the Holy Spirit. But they can freely use it whenever they wish. And this rule applies also the gift of glossolaly. That is why the charism of tongues should not be regarded as a kind of ecstasy.

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QUESTIONS TO THE ICCRS DOCTRINAL COMMISSION ICCRS receives many questions about the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, and we do our best to answer as many as we can with the help of the ICCRS Doctrinal Commission members who kindly take the time to check their references and credit their sources. The questions and answers featured in this section of the Leadership Formation each issue are selected for their relevancy and helpfulness overall for those involved in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. If you have a question about the CCR, please send it to [email protected] and we will do our best to answer it!

On the Laying on of Hands It is important to distinguish the laying on of hands that takes place at Confirmation and Ordination, which confers a sacramental grace, and the laying on of hands of ordinary believers. Only a bishop (or a priest delegated by the bishop) has the authority to lay on hands in the first sense. This sacramental laying on of hands is portrayed in the New Testament in Acts 6:6; 1 Tim 4:14 (and possibly 2 Tim 1:6-7).

and Paul to prepare them and pray for the Spirit’s anointing on their mission (see also Num 8:10). “So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” Acts 13:3 “You are to bring the Levites before the Lord, and the Israelites are to lay their hands on them.” Num 8:10

“They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and The practice of ordinary believers laying on hands has been laid their hands on them.” Acts 6:6 revived in recent years, especially through the Charismatic “Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a Renewal. It can be part of prayer for healing, or of prayer for prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands preparation for a mission or service a person is called to, or of prayer for other graces needed. This is a way of recognizing on you.” 1 Tim 4:14 that we are bodily persons, and that Christ makes his graces “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of flow through all the members of his Body. God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, It is important that this practice be pastored well, so there is no confusion between sacramental and simple (informal) of love and of self-discipline.” 2 Tim 1:6-7 laying on of hands. Laying on of hands should also be done The second kind of laying on of hands is also recognized by with respect and sensitivity for the person being prayed with. scripture. In Mark 16:17-18 the risen Lord Jesus promises, “These Usually you should gently ask his or her permission before signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will laying on hands: “Is it OK if I put my hand on your shoulder cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick as I pray?” It goes without saying that you should never push up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt a person with your hand to “help” them rest in the Spirit. them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Anyone who is struggling with unchaste thoughts should not He does not say that these signs will accompany only those he lay hands. There should not be any sense of magic or personal appointed as apostles or leaders. In Acts 9:17 we see Ananias, an power, but a simple surrender to Jesus who determines ordinary believer, led by the Spirit to lay hands on Saul that he whom, when and how he will heal and impart grace. may recover from blindness and be filled with the Holy Spirit. “Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 9:17 James 5:14-16 instructs anyone who is sick to “call for the elders (presbyters) of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord,” but then adds, “Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” In Acts 13:3, the community as a whole lays hands on Barnabas

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The ICCRS Doctrinal Commission is formed by: Bishop Joseph Grech (chair), Australia Father Peter Hocken, Austria Father Francis Martin, USA Doctor Mary Healy, USA The ICCRS Doctrinal Commission is also in consultation with theologians from different countries around the world.

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