by Andrew Koslosky, Contributing Writer

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Holy Trinity. It is God, present and active in our world and within each other. One of the most profound ways the Holy Spirit manifests itself is through something the Catholic Church identifies as, charisms. Charisms are special graces or gifts given to all of us, that we would use to serve others  and build up the Body of Christ, the Church. Understanding the charisms of the Holy Spirit is vital for us to participate fully in our faith community.

Today, we will talk about the nature of these gifts, their biblical  foundations, their purpose, and how they influence the life of the Church today. 

The concept of spiritual gifts is rooted in the Bible, particularly in the New Testament. St. Paul provides an insight in his first letter to the Corinthians. Paul emphasizes that spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit and serve to promote unity and diversity within the Church.  

Charisms are given not just for one’s own use, but to be channels of God’s goodness for others. Charisms are not reserved for a few, but rather, are for every baptized Christian. We as Christians are required to give thought to these spiritual gifts, and as the Catechism reminds us, “All charisms ought to be exercised in the  service of God.”

Of course, we are more familiar with the gifts of the Holy Spirit given for us to keep for ourselves. The traditional “seven gifts of the Holy Spirit”; wisdom, understanding, counsel, courage, knowledge, respect of the Lord and fear of the Lord, along with the “twelve virtues” of the Spirit; charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, and chastity are all given to us to keep.

We first receive these gifts of the Holy Spirit in the Sacrament of Baptism. These gifts are then strengthened in  the Sacrament of Confirmation, which is one of the reasons why the Catholic Church teaches that Confirmation  is properly viewed as the completion of Baptism. These gifts and virtues provide the tools necessary for us to  live a Christ like life. 

Charisms, on the other hand, are given to us to give away and to enhance the Universal Church. They always benefit other people. Charisms differ from natural talents in several important ways.

Charisms are not “in born” but rather are given by the Holy Spirit primarily at Baptism and Confirmation. However, God can bestow these on us at any time. They supernaturally empower us, enabling us beyond our human ability. Unlike talents, which can be used for good or evil, charisms are always for the good of others.

Charisms, whether seemingly extraordinary, like healing, or ordinary, like administration, are used alongside our natural talents to serve God and our neighbor. Getting in touch with your charisms helps you to find your purpose, clarify  decisions, avoid burning out, and allows you to excel in work and family life. It frees you from comparison with  others and reveals experiences of God working in your life.

Charisms empower you to play your essential role  in God’s mission. Charisms enable our Christian communities to thrive by building ministries around people’s real spiritual gifts rather than simply filling needs. It helps us to allow our communities to flourish by following the Holy Spirit’s guidance in mission and service. 

Recognizing one’s charisms involves prayer, reflection, and often guidance from spiritual Directors or community leaders. Discernment helps believers understand which gifts they have received and how best to use them. Jesus emphasized the importance of discernment, highlighting its role in distinguishing truth from falsehood and recognizing genuine from deceptive spiritual experiences. He taught that true discernment comes from God, through the Holy Spirit, and by being guided by the Spirit.

We know that charisms often manifest through actions and the positive impact they have on others. We as Christians, are encouraged to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance continually through prayer, through the sacraments, especially the sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation, and by participation in the community. 

Using charisms sometimes entails humility, prudence, and a desire to serve others rather than personal gain. It also involves responsibility and discernment to ensure that the gifts are used ethically and in harmony with  God’s teaching.

St. Paul emphasizes it is essential that all gifts are to work together harmoniously for the common good. Throughout Church history, charisms have played a vital role in the spiritual journey.

From the early Christian communities to the present day, they inspire revival movements, missionary efforts,  communities of prayer, and ministries of service. They bring people together; they are key tools in evangelization, bringing many people into the church community or back home to God. 

The charisms of the Holy Spirit are divine gifts intended for the sanctification of believers and the building up of the Church. Sanctification, in Christian theology, is the ongoing process of us all being set apart from sin and becoming more like Christ. Recognizing, cultivating, and faithfully using these gifts enables Christians to live more fully in the Spirit, to serve others selflessly, and to contribute to the realization of God’s Kingdom on  earth. As St. Paul reminds us, “To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good”  (1 Corinthians 12:7).

By embracing our charisms, we participate actively in God’s ongoing work of creation, redemption, and sanctification. 

I suppose if this is the first time you have heard these terms, it would all seem quite confusing. I hope I am providing some clarity. But make no mistake about it, the gifts and virtues of the Holy Spirit are essential in our lives to be able to have the tools to live as God wants us to.

Just as important, identifying and using our charisms are essential to build our communities and thus Christ’s Church. Christ’s Great Commission calls for  each believer to take a role in spreading the Gospel and making disciples, whether through direct outreach or through support. The Holy Spirit will use us as the tool through the charisms given us. 

We must be sensitive and open to what God tells us to. We must willingly allow Him to disrupt our daily routine and step out with boldness and faith, all as we follow Him. We must understand that whatever God guides us to do, the Holy Spirit is the one that equips us to do it. So, there is no reason to fear or to be apprehensive. 

I am planting a seed…does it make sense to you to look into this and explore. Open your mind, your heart,  your eyes and your ears…and wait for the Holy Spirit.  

You will be amazed once the line of communication opens up.  Peace my Brothers and Sisters, until next week…