prl:
where can I find a good Catholic explanation of Speaking in Tongues? I’d like to find out how to acquire or “activate” it? How to know if it’s authentic? When one speaks in tongues, is there always someone present to interpret it? Thanks to whoever can help!
Speaking in tongues is a charism (gift) of the Holy Spirit. Assuming it is granted to anyone anymore, it is the Spirit who “activates” it. We cannot take the gift for ourselves any more than Simon could buy it from the Apostles (See Acts 8:20 for Peter’s response to that!). There has been much debate on whether or not the modern phenomenon of speaking in Tongues is an authentic gift of the Holy Spirit. I would defer to scripture: “By their fruits you shall know them”. The incredible controversy surrounding charismatic groups in the Catholic Church would make me look very closely at any occurrence you hear of tongues. There is a lot of good that has come out of some charismatic groups, but there is also a lot of dissention that has torn parishes and communities apart, as well.
I’m not sure about the Catholic charismatic groups, but I do know that in other charismatic faiths, such as Pentacostalism, there is not always someone to interpret the tongues. A former teacher I had, who attended a pentecostal Church, said that he would sometimes wake up in the middle of the night speaking in tongues and wouldn’t know what they meant.
The last thing I’d say is, if you’re interested in this charism, do some research and pray to God that He might help you understand, and possibly receive the gift. But also remember St. Paul’s words:
:bible1: "If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing. " 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
Paul considers tongues an authentic gift from God, but tells us that there are more important things to focus on.