Colors of Light


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Come Holy Spirit!
Complete the work you have begun in us,
O Divine Lover

...For through the acts of the seven Virtues that we perform, following the impulse and with the help of the seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost, we gain the happiness that our Savior promised us in the Sermon on the Mount.



  1. The gift of Fear strengthens the virtue of Temperance and makes us truly Poor in Spirit by mortifying our self-conceit (Pride) and our desire for earthly goods; thus they secure for us the Kingdom of God.

  2. By the gift of Piety, which perfects in us the virtue of Justice, we practice true Meekness, live in peace and harmony (vs. Envy and Malice) with our fellow men and thus deserve possession of the Promised Land.

  3. By the gift of Knowledge, which strengthens the virtue of Prudence, we acquire holy Sorrow, and perceiving the vanity of earthly things and human means, we seek our consolation and tranquility in God. Anger is thus cast out.

  4. The gift of Fortitude, which assists the virtue of Fortitude, creates in us a growing Hunger and Thirst After Justice (vs. Sloth) which will hereafter be satisfied by God with all heavenly blessings.

  5. The gift of Counsel which increases and enlightens the virtue of Hope induces us to practice Mercy (vs. Covetousness) to our neighbor -- keeping in mind the promise that it will be meted out to us in the same measure in which we give it to others.

  6. The gift of Understanding which enlightens the virtue of Faith, plunges our heart into the divine light, purifying it evermore from sensual appetites (vs. Gluttony) and thus procure for us that Purity of Heart which makes us worthy to see God in heaven face to face.

  7. The gift of Wisdom, finally, which empowers the virtue of Charity, tends to unite us ever more intimately with God and with our neighbor in the enjoyment of the highest Good (vs. Impurity) giving us that Peace which makes us true and Perfect children of God.



Compiled from The Glories of Divine Grace

By Fr. Matthias J. Scheeben

Used with Permission


A.M.D.G.