Charisms

[Christmastwin]

Hello all. I have a question regarding Charisms. Let me first say that I am only recently back to Catholicism. I was praying for guidance and I had a dream, and in the dream there was a book and on a page of the book was the word CHARISM in all caps on the page about 4 or 5 times. I didn’t know what that meant, so I Googled it in the morning and found its meaning.

It is obvious to me that there is something God wants me to be doing.

I am familiar with the gifts and the fruits of the Holy Spirit, but charisms is brand new to me.

Any thoughts?

 

[SonCatcher]

Charism has a couple of meanings, actually. One that is common today refers to those special gifts of the Spirit that He gives for a time and the building up of the Church (e.g. prophesy, speaking in tongues, healings, etc) There is a full list in 1 Cor 12:8-10

[BIBLEDRB]1 Cor 12:8-10[/BIBLEDRB]

Not everyone receives one of the above charisms and St. Paul explains the necessity for regulating them in the following chapters.

A charism is also the particular work of an individual or group (which can be an apostolate, religious order or other group intended to build up the Church or her members). In this context, a charism could be prayer, works of service (e.g. operating a food pantry), works of mercy, etc. It could include the wondrous charisms described above but does not have to. Everyone has this kind of charism, even if it’s as “boring” as saying the Rosary every day for support of the bishop.

Each of us has some charism that God has called us for. We need only to discover what God has planned for us. Your realization of this is a great first step. I advise you meet with your priest to know the next one.

 

[BluesPicker]

They break down Charisms and Fruits of the Spirit; but I know one you already have. It lead you here. My old Catholic theological dictionary with extensive commentaries has long deteriorated; but, I distinctly seem to remember that St. Paul says all Christians possess the Gift of Prophecy. That is because it is the Holy Spirit who leads us to Christ. This also is closely allied with Faith which it helps to build.

  The Gifts of the Holy Spirit  I guess are like scared heirlooms pasted down from generation to generation.   They remind us of  the Holy Traditions of our Catholic Faith; so as to provide Signs to others that we are united to Christ by this Person of Divine Love that proceeds from the Father and the Son.

BP

 

[Christmastwin]

Thanks! What is really interesting is that before the dream I had done a novena for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Boy am I being taken on the ride of a lifetime and loving every minute of it. More will be revealed, huh?

 

[SonCatcher]

Thanks! What is really interesting is that before the dream I had done a novena for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

extra cool. When you see your priest (an appointment would be a good idea here), I recommend telling him the whole story, itemizing and ordering the events properly. As I understand, the salient items are:

1. 
   *]you completed the Novena to the Holy Spirit
   *]you had the dream that prominently featured the word “charism”
   *]you had to look it up to find out what it meant (just to make sure - you honestly had never heard or read before, right?)
   

   Boy am I being taken on the ride of a lifetime and loving every minute of it. More will be revealed, huh?

   It may be a good idea to seek out an orthodox (not Eastern Orthodox but someone who is staunchly faithful to Church teaching) spiritual director as you dig deeper. Some people become so enthralled with the charism that they lose sight of the God who endowed it in them. A good spiritual director can help prevent this.

 

[Christmastwin]

John, yes, that is the order of the events and I seriously did not know what a charism was. I have heard of charismatic masses but thought those were just for healing and speaking in tongues.

I did speak to a priest but that was only to receive confession and communion before returning to Mass. I have had a few other strong signs and I think you’re right, I need to seek out a spiritual director.

It amazes me that I could go from a lazy believer in God to an eager student who loves Jesus, saying the rosary, and reading the bible. Overnight. I am so blessed.

Thanks for your response. It’s much appreciated.