Reflection
The gift of the Spirit called understanding allows us to “penetrate to the very
core of revealed truths”. Understanding rises above natural reason which is concerned only with the things we can sense in the world around us; it is concerned with intellectual knowledge but it is also practical. Through understanding, we see the world and our life within it in a larger context. It
brings a spirit of compassion and sees the person as always more important
than the rule. Understanding helps us to direct the actions of our lives toward God, to be open to the action of the Spirit within us and to realize that all life is not static, but is a succession of stages.
Prayer
May follow you more closely and trust you more completely.
Action
Pray for the gift of understanding of God’s limitless love.Try to show this love to others.
Suggested Reading
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6:33
And he said, “Are you also still without understanding?”
Matthew 15:16
If we read the Gospel with this gift of the Holy Spirit, we can understand the depths of God’s words.
Pope Francis
With the gift of understanding, we comprehend how we need to live as a follower of Jesus Christ. A person with understanding is not confused by all the conflicting messages in our culture about the right way to live. The gift of understanding perfects a person’s speculative reason in the apprehension of truth. “It is the gift whereby self-evident principles are known.
Thomas Aquinas
In this very life, when the eye of the spirit is purified by the gift of understanding, one can in a certain way see God.
Summa Theologica
All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.
Galileo Galilei
Life is not perfect and people are not perfectable. Only understanding, only compassion- the ability to beat life with the rest of humanity, whatever burdens the beating brings, perfects us.
Joan Chittister, OSB
Only the development of compassion and understanding for others can bring us the tranquility and happiness we all seek.
Dalai Lama XIV
Be the one who nurtures and builds. Be the one who has an understanding and a forgiving heart one who looks for the best in people. Leave people better than you found them.
Marvin J. Ashton