We come to the end of Pentecost week—a time when we bless God for the gifts of the Holy Spirit that are strong in our souls each day of the year. We list these gifts as wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, holiness, and reverence for the God’s life within us. These gifts mark our commitment to know and understand God’s ways, to sharpen our instinct for service in God’s name, to practice our faith in the concrete day-to-day opportunities that come our way wherever we are, whatever we do. Our faith is not a trophy to be set on a shelf. It is the living, breathing presence of God’s Holy Spirit stretching me to prayer and practical service of my family, my parish, my neighborhood. Life in the Spirit is truly life in God’s love!
—The Jesuit Prayer Team