Reflection 213: The Spiritual Gift of Understanding

Do you understand the mysteries of God? Imagine that you were a theologian who studied the faith of our Church for many years. Would knowledge of all the theological disciplines of our Church necessarily produce in you an authentic understanding of these mysteries that were studied? No, it wouldn’t necessarily produce understanding. In fact, it is entirely possible that while knowing all about God and all that has been revealed through the ages, you still might lack an authentic understanding of God and the profound mysteries of our faith. Understanding ultimately comes as a gift from God. It’s an infused gift which illumines and enlightens and is obtainable only by a direct and personal revelation from God. Yes, study of the faith and attentiveness to clear articulation of this same faith disposes one to understand, but the inspired gift of Understanding is still required to penetrate and grasp all mysteries of our faith. Understanding is a true gift of God’s Mercy (See Diary #1107).

Reflect upon your own understanding of the infinite Mercy of God. How fully do you comprehend this Mercy? Reflect upon all that God has revealed to us throughout history. He has spoken definitively through Scripture and has also spoken definitively through His Church in numerous ways. Reflect upon how fully you grasp all the articles of our faith that have been revealed through the ages. God has spoken in a clear and public way. Now He desires to speak those same truths to you in the depths of your soul. If you are willing to listen, your understanding will open the floodgates of the Mercy of God.

Lord, there are so many truths that I do not fully grasp. Your life and Your workings are glorious and mysterious all at once. Give me the grace of Understanding so that I may penetrate the depths of Your Truth and Your Mercy. I open myself to You, dear Lord. Jesus, I trust in You.

Image: Saint Jerome in his study,, by Workshop of Marinus van Reymerswaele

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