midway lenten reflection using the gifts of the holy spirit

I have been reflecting more on the Holy Spirit this Lent and as I reflect, I am reminded of the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. God Himself, the Creator of the Universe, the God who becomes man, the God who saves us and enters into the depths of our woundedness, has given us all that we need in order to experience His peace, His love, His mercy, His justice, and His healing on our road to Heaven.

There are times when we forget about the power of the Holy Spirit and the opportunity we have to live fulfilling lives through the Holy Spirit. Especially when we find ourselves crying out to God the words of Jesus on the Cross, “My God, why have you abandoned me?” Or when find ourselves spiritually and mentally in the desert with no aid or consolation. Or when we are tempted by the Evil One, struggling with all sorts of intrusive thoughts and temptations to give up or to go back to harmful behaviors or relationships, that only leads us further away from God and our True Self.

If you have experienced any of this during Lent thus far, I want to encourage you to persevere and remind you that you are not alone. I also want to empower you to use the gifts you have been given to keep going. The Lord is always with you, giving you His very self. Rely on Him. Discover Him anew as you exercise the gifts of the Holy Spirit in your life!

The following are the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit endowed to us in our Baptism and sealed through the sacrament of confirmation. Consider reflecting on the following gifts in your journal or prayerfully in meditation. If you notice that there is a gift that you do not see within you, I encourage you to pray for it. God is the giver of good gifts (Matthew 7:11) Ask and you shall receive (Matthew 7:7) and let these gifts help you to experience God’s love and healing this Lent.

The Gift of Wisdom:

What is God calling you to do this Lent? Is there any Lenten commitment He is asking you to no longer do or change this Lent? What do you know about God that will help you continue to move forward this Lent?

The Gift of Understanding:

What is God's will for your life right now? Are there things that you don't seem to understand that you might need to surrender? How is God working in your life right now? Are you relying on your own understanding, or God's Truth this Lent?

The Gift of Counsel:

Whom have you been able to rely on to support you this Lent? How has their counsel helped you to draw closer to Christ? Whom do you need to reach out to, to receive more counsel in your life? Whom have you counseled this Lent? Why do you think God brought those people into your life this Lent?

The Gift of Knowledge:

What have you learned about yourself this Lent? What have you learned about God this Lent? How can you use what you have learned thus far to support you for the rest of your Lenten journey?

The Gift of Fortitude:

What Lenten promises have you been able to follow through with? In what ways have you persevered this Lent? What graces has God given you this Lent to help you draw closer to Him and endure suffering and hardship? What do you need from God to continue persevering this Lent?

The Gift of Piety:

How have you grown in Holiness and "Wholiness" this Lent? In what areas of your life do you still need to grow in virtue? Have you noticed that you have been able to experience more of your True Self this Lent? Think of a time you were your most authentic and True Self this Lent, how did you feel? What would it take to get back to this True Self?

The Gift of Fear of the Lord:

When have you experienced awe and reverence during your Lenten journey? In what ways has God challenged you and changed your heart this Lent? What are the things in your life that are still separating you from the love of God? Have you had any intrusive or scrupulous thoughts this Lent? Have you struggled with perfectionism? Unhealthy asceticism? Have you struggled with control? Have you struggled with psychological self-abandonment? Have you focused more on other people's relationship with God more than your own?

What can you do for the remaining weeks of Lent to draw closer to God and let go of these things that might be taking you away from Him?

May God continue to bless you on your Lenten journey.

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they shall be created!