The Holy Spirit and Gift of Tongues

[grannymh]

By the way, I think Paul was very clear in saying that people who speak in tongues need to have an interpreter. Otherwise no one can understand what they are saying.

Please note that I have edited my post 19.

You are correct in the passage you have quoted – Paul is very clear that people who minister to the assembled community by the use of the Holy Spirit Gift which is one of the nine classical gifts listed by St. Paul in chapter 12 of 1 Corinthians, do need an interpreter, which gift is also one of the nine classical ones.

Because many Catholics are unaware of the importance of the nine Holy Spirit Gifts in chapter 12, there is the popular tendency to merge the two separate gifts into one.
This is not what St. Paul is doing. 1 Corinthians 14: 3. “On the other hand, one who prophesies does speak to human beings, for their building up, encouragement, and solace.”

Because many Catholics are not familiar with St. Paul’s classical list of Holy Spirit gifts, which can be considered ministries, confusion between the two different gifts which employ Tongues is the result.

This link has a number of chapters on the nine classical gifts. brendancase.com/uploads/Key_to_the_Charismatic_Renewal.pdf

One can start with Chapter 5, page 42, to learn about the nine classical gifts.

1 Corinthians 14.9 It’s the same for you. If you speak to people in words they don’t understand, how will they know what you are saying? You might as well be talking into empty space.

10 There are many different languages in the world, and every language has meaning. 11 But if I don’t understand a language, I will be a foreigner to someone who speaks it, and the one who speaks it will be a foreigner to me. 12 And the same is true for you. Since you are so eager to have the special abilities the Spirit gives, seek those that will strengthen the whole church.

13 So anyone who speaks in tongues should pray also for the ability to interpret what has been said. 14 For if I pray in tongues, my spirit is praying, but I don’t understand what I am saying.

15 Well then, what shall I do? I will pray in the spirit, and I will also pray in words I understand. I will sing in the spirit, and I will also sing in words I understand. 16 For if you praise God only in the spirit, how can those who don’t understand you praise God along with you? How can they join you in giving thanks when they don’t understand what you are saying? 17 You will be giving thanks very well, but it won’t strengthen the people who hear you.

 

[CHRISTINE77]

Please note that I have edited my post 19.

You are correct in the passage you have quoted – Paul is very clear that people who minister to the assembled community by the use of the Holy Spirit Gift which is one of the nine classical gifts listed by St. Paul in chapter 12 of 1 Corinthians, do need an interpreter, which gift is also one of the nine classical ones.

Because many Catholics are unaware of the importance of the nine Holy Spirit Gifts in chapter 12, there is the popular tendency to merge the two separate gifts into one.
This is not what St. Paul is doing. 1 Corinthians 14: 3. “On the other hand, one who prophesies does speak to human beings, for their building up, encouragement, and solace.”

Because many Catholics are not familiar with St. Paul’s classical list of Holy Spirit gifts, which can be considered ministries, confusion between the two different gifts which employ Tongues is the result.

This link has a number of chapters on the nine classical gifts. brendancase.com/uploads/Key_to_the_Charismatic_Renewal.pdf

You have some great information. I agree with you, it is important to know what the spiritual gifts that Paul explained are. I thinks some people think that speaking in tongues IS the only gift (somewhat like the Corinthians did!)

 

[grannymh]

You have some great information. I agree with you, it is important to know what the spiritual gifts that Paul explained are. I thinks some people think that speaking in tongues IS the only gift (somewhat like the Corinthians did!)

Actually, it is my understanding that the Corinthians did know both the classical list of gifts/ministries and the common gift of praying in Tongues. Unfortunately, 1 Corinthians 14: 2 and following uses the English word “speak” for both gifts.

Perhaps it may be easier if I explain the Corinthian abuse which continues today.

Because praying in tongues is often associated with giving our life to Our Lord Jesus in an individual prayer experience often referred to as the baptism of the Holy Spirit, there is the real temptation to consider prayer tongues as a sign of personal holiness.
Here is where Catholics must distinguish the Catholic Sacrament of Baptism from accompanying rituals/prayer experiences such as renouncing Satan, the lighted candle, etc.

To understand the prayer experience of the Holy Spirit, please read chapters 1-4 in this link.
brendancase.com/uploads/Key_to_the_Charismatic_Renewal.pdf

Please note that this book has the Nihil obstat and Imprimatur.

St. Paul apparently recognized the exaggeration of the common gift of praying in tongues which is why he said: “I give thanks to God that I speak in tongues more than any of you, but in the church I would rather speak five words with my mind, so as to instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.” 1 Corinthians 14: 18-19.
Obviously, St. Paul is comfortable with his personal life, i.e., speak (meaning pray) in tongues. Yet, his mission is to spread the “good news” of Jesus Christ. Catholics need to learn that the nine classical gifts are tools which may be used as part of the Great Commission. Matthew 28: 16-20. The mission of the common gift of praying in tongues is to pray to God. There is no sensible reason why Catholics should eavesdrop on a person’s private prayer to God.

 

[grannymh]

I found this here, which says that speaking in tongues is not the only way to receive the Holy Spirit. I believe the Holy Spirit enters us when we are totally receptive to God’s will. Prayer can invoke the Holy Spirit, as long as you are truly asking the Lord for help, repenting or giving thanks. However, the Charismatic Christians do have a nice worship, praising God in tongues and song. Did you know there are Charismatic Catholics also?

Here is the website that explains about speaking in tongues as evidence of having the Holy Spirit:

gotquestions.org/tongues-Holy-Spirit.html

My apology to Christine77 and readers for taking so long to check out this link.

While there was some interesting information and scripture citations, I need to point out that the link, because of its Mission Statement and operation, short-changed Catholicism. The Mission statement is at the end of this post.

Those looking for information about the “charismatic movement” need to keep in mind that the Catholic Charismatic Renewal within the Catholic Church emphasizes the importance of the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation as they are the primary sources for receiving the Holy Spirit. We are encouraged to stir into flame the graces of our own Baptism and Confirmation. In this sense, the Holy Spirit continues to come to us as Christine77 suggested.

From Christine77, post 3. “I believe the Holy Spirit enters us when we are totally receptive to God’s will.”
This is due to the graces of the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. All of us need to ask ourselves – When was the last time we prayed to the Holy Spirit for the graces of our own Baptism and Confirmation?

From digiglior, post 1. “Her support for this is that on multiple occasions when the Holy Spirit comes upon people they all speak in tongues. Are there times in the bible where the Holy Spirit came upon people and they didn’t speak in tongues?”

May I gently suggest that we keep foremost in our minds, the truths of Catholicism. Instead of a scripture duel, we need to go straight to the center of our religion – the Seven Sacraments, primarily the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Giving our life to Jesus comes first. In the early days of Catholicism, the “giving of our life to Jesus” was a prayer experience which accompanied the adult Sacrament of Baptism. The way I would personally describe this is that when one’s life was dedicated to serving God, the Holy Spirit responded with His gifts, including hundreds which are not mentioned in relationship to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal.

Because the Holy Spirit gift of praying in Tongues often follows the commitment to Jesus as Lord of all mankind in Whom the Father reconciles all, the mistake of thinking that prayer tongues was " the evidence" of the Holy Spirit occurred. This mistake was due to unwarranted pride.

Catholics need to stay focused on the purpose of prayer. We have many saints who have given us many valid ways of praying and meditating. We are not clones of each other. Therefore, we need to seek our personal ways to pray in addition to the greatest prayer which is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

I did look at accompanying information on the provided link. Instead of pointing out the agreements and disagreements, I will simply advise that when talking about the Catholic Charismatic Renewal within the Catholic Church, Catholics should start with the truths of Catholicism. And then, we can credit the Holy Spirit for all His gifts, including the gifts mentioned by St. Paul. It is very important that Catholics should go by St. Paul’s teaching on the Mystical Body of Christ. All members of the Mystical Body of Christ have received the gift of prayer – not in one particular form – but in a variety of forms as we are a variety of humans.

This is the link’s Mission Statement. “Got Questions Ministries seeks to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by providing biblical, applicable, and timely answers to spiritually related questions through an internet presence.”

The website continues.
“GotQuestions.org is a volunteer ministry of dedicated and trained servants who have a desire to assist others in their understanding of God, Scripture, salvation, and other spiritual topics. We are Christian, Protestant, conservative, evangelical, fundamental, and non-denominational. We view ourselves as a para-church ministry, coming alongside the church to help people find answers to their spiritually related questions.”

 

[sennincatholic]

Your roommate says everybody who receives the holy spirit must SPEAK in tongues.

So if a mute were to receive the “baptism of the Holy Spirit” as pentecostals call it…would he/she forcefully start SPEAKING…?

And if that mute were unable to start SPEAKING…would it mean he/she cannot receive the Holy Spirit?

 

[grannymh]

Your roommate says everybody who receives the holy spirit must SPEAK in tongues.

So if a mute were to receive the “baptism of the Holy Spirit” as pentecostals call it…would he/she forcefully start SPEAKING…?

And if that mute were unable to start SPEAKING…would it mean he/she cannot receive the Holy Spirit?

May I respond from the Catholic position which emphasizes the Catholic Sacraments?

The key ingredient of praying in tongues is that a person humbly yields their speech mechanism to the Holy Spirit. Therefore, according to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal within the Catholic Church, there is no requirement of vocal sound. Obviously, being mute does not keep a person from praying. I personally pray silently in tongues. That is a lot better than road rage.

As for receiving the Holy Spirit, post 24 will be helpful.

 

[fred_conty]

My roommate is a charistmatic non-denominational Christian and we have some interesting theogoical discussions. I am usually prepared to answer her questions thanks to Catholic Answers Live among other things. However, one this has stumped me and I would love some insight! She believes that everyone should pray in tongues because that is allowing the Holy Spirit into us. I responded with the passage regarding how everyone has different spiritual gifts and that as the body of Christ our gifts come together and complement eachother since we don’t have all the gifts. She agreed except that speaking on tongues is apparently the only gift we all have. Her support for this is that on multiple occasions when the Holy Spirit comes upon people they all speak in tongues. Are there times in the bible where the Holy Spirit came upon people and they didn’t speak in tongues? And how do I explain to her why it is inaunthentic to expect everyone to speak in tongues. By the way she demonstrated it for me on the spot, it sounded like aramaic but she does not know what she says.

This gift is the least of the gifts given, because St. Paul would rather say 5 words to others
than speak in tongues. Charity being the highest gift.

Just a thought.​

“If you love me you will follow me, says the Lord; for where I am, my servant will also be, says the Lord.” (hymn)

 

[Bodyandblood999]

Very interesting.

 

[grannymh]

This gift is the least of the gifts given, because St. Paul would rather say 5 words to others
than speak in tongues. Charity being the highest gift.

Just a thought.​

“If you love me you will follow me, says the Lord; for where I am, my servant will also be, says the Lord.” (hymn)

1 Corinthians, chapter 13. “Love is patient, love is kind…Love never fails…but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away…At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face…”

To imitate God’s love and then, following our death, to see God face to face is the goal of all of us.

The Holy Spirit Gift of praying in tongues is often called the “least of the gifts”.

Catholics need to recognize that “least” refers to a comparison between St. Paul’s
classical list of nine Holy Spirit gifts and the common Holy Spirit gift of praying in tongues. 1 Corinthians 14: 2. “For one who speaks (prays) in a tongue does not speak to humans but to God, for no one listens, he utters mysteries in spirit.” “Least” is not a matter of hierarchy.

Ooops! I need to give my general warning that we need to be careful about the word “speaks”. The English word “speaks” is often used to refer to two different kinds of Holy Spirit gifts which employ the gift of Tongues. The best way to figure out which is which is to look at the context. In 1 Corinthians 14: 2 notice the words “does not speak to humans but to God”. This is a clear description of praying to God in tongues.

Compare verse 2 above with verse 9. “Similarly, if you, because of speaking in tongues, do not utter intelligible speech, how will anyone know what is being said?”
and verse 13. “Therefore one who speaks in a tongue should pray to be able to interpret.” The context for these two verses is a physical place. Verse 6 “Now, brothers, if I should come to you…” Notice that St. Paul is talking to people and not praying to God. In my Bible, the heading at verse 26 is “Rules of Order”. Here the context of a physical place stands out with St. Paul’s words “When you assemble…”

Before bashing St. Paul for his somewhat confusing terminology, Catholics need to recall that St. Paul was writing to people who were knowledgeable about the Holy Spirit gifts.

The comments in post 23 above refer to St. Paul’s mission to spread the Gospel. His nine classical gifts listed in
chapter 12, 1 Corinthians, were expressly meant to build up the Church. That is why St. Paul was so concerned about “Rules of Order”. He was addressing an assembly of believers who, themselves, needed gifts of the Holy Spirit in order to teach others. Still, as we notice, St. Paul included the value of praying to God.

Last, but not least ()
is the fact that throughout the New Testament, we, ourselves, are called to pray to God. Consequently, we are to find our own way of praying in addition to the greatest prayer, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Here is a helpful link to a basic “question and answer” book about the Catholic Charismatic Renewal within the Catholic Church. The book has the Nihil obstat and Imprimatur.
brendancase.com/uploads/Key_to_the_Charismatic_Renewal.pdf

 

[po18guy]

We all have received a gift, or charism, of the Holy Spirit at our confirmation. We are called to know what that charism (or charisms) is and to use it for the building up of the Church. Catechism section 799 speaks clearly to this:

Whether extraordinary or simple and humble, charisms are graces of the Holy Spirit which directly or indirectly benefit the Church, ordered as they are to her building up, to the good of men, and to the needs of the world.

Catechism sections 797-801, really just short paragraphs, are excellent reading. As well, the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) certainly applies here. The Master has given us gifts and has departed. When He returns, He will expect not only His gift back, but also an increase. But, what is an increase? Bishop Fulton Sheen teaches us that the surest way to heaven is to take someone’s hand and lead them there. That is the increase the Lord is looking for. For our part, it requires effort and discernment to know what our charisms are, and to use them.

Now, the classical gift of tongues is well known and little understood, it seems. Yet, if it is proper to the particular situation, someone should be able to interpret, which is clear from Paul’s writings. Lacking a translator, one speaking in tongues builds themselves up, rather than those around them. Well, this is also valid, because we each need to be built up. Therefore, I do not grieve the Lord’s action in others who demonstrate this gift, as it is given to them by God for their benefit. If someone translates, it is also for my benefit. I find that I am jealous at times of what the Lord does in others, and I think this is the genesis of mistrust in the observable manifestations of the charisms.

Our Lord (Mark 3:29, Luke 12:10), and Saint Paul (Ephesians 4:30), teach us that we are not to grieve or speak against (blaspheme) the actions of the Holy Spirit. Do we risk doing exactly this when we look with jaundiced eye on those who are manifesting the gifts of the Holy Spirit? Are we the hand that says we do not need the foot? We should rather rejoice that the spirit is active and working amongst our brothers and sisters.

As to me, I have never uttered a single syllable in a tongue, either foreign or heavenly. Not my gift. Through submission to the Holy Spirit I have identified a couple of the gifts that I have, and try to use them.

 

[grannymh]

We all have received a gift, or charism, of the Holy Spirit at our confirmation. We are called to know what that charism (or charisms) is and to use it for the building up of the Church. Catechism section 799 speaks clearly to this: Catechism sections 797-801, really just short paragraphs, are excellent reading. As well, the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) certainly applies here. The Master has given us gifts and has departed. When He returns, He will expect not only His gift back, but also an increase. But, what is an increase? Bishop Fulton Sheen teaches us that the surest way to heaven is to take someone’s hand and lead them there. That is the increase the Lord is looking for. For our part, it requires effort and discernment to know what our charisms are, and to use them.

Now, the classical gift of tongues is well known and little understood, it seems. Yet, if it is proper to the particular situation, someone should be able to interpret, which is clear from Paul’s writings. Lacking a translator, one speaking in tongues builds themselves up, rather than those around them. Well, this is also valid, because we each need to be built up. Therefore, I do not grieve the Lord’s action in others who demonstrate this gift, as it is given to them by God for their benefit. If someone translates, it is also for my benefit. I find that I am jealous at times of what the Lord does in others, and I think this is the genesis of mistrust in the observable manifestations of the charisms.

Our Lord (Mark 3:29, Luke 12:10), and Saint Paul (Ephesians 4:30), teach us that we are not to grieve or speak against (blaspheme) the actions of the Holy Spirit. Do we risk doing exactly this when we look with jaundiced eye on those who are manifesting the gifts of the Holy Spirit? Are we the hand that says we do not need the foot? We should rather rejoice that the spirit is active and working amongst our brothers and sisters.

As to me, I have never uttered a single syllable in a tongue, either foreign or heavenly. Not my gift. Through submission to the Holy Spirit I have identified a couple of the gifts that I have, and try to use them.

I would like to add a personal interpretation to the Parable of the Talents, Matthew 25: 14-30. Check out verse 19." After a long time, the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them." In my humble opinion, the mistake of the third servant was not necessarily burying his talent. The mistake was not digging up the talent. There was time for him to reverse his decision to bury the talent. So, the master was right in calling him lazy.

Old grannies need to hobble out to the tool shed and grab a shovel. It is never too late to dig up God’s gift.

 

[po18guy]

I would like to add a personal interpretation to the Parable of the Talents, Matthew 25: 14-30. Check out verse 19." After a long time, the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them." In my humble opinion, the mistake of the third servant was not necessarily burying his talent. The mistake was not digging up the talent. There was time for him to reverse his decision to bury the talent. So, the master was right in calling him lazy.

Old grannies need to hobble out to the tool shed and grab a shovel. It is never too late to dig up God’s gift.

The lazy/slothful servant showed no appreciation for, and made no attempt to use even the humble gift that he received. He hid it so that he could not, or would not be tempted to use it (Matthew 13:44 - remember the treasure hidden in the field?). Being buried, it was out of sight, out of mind. Finally, he rationalized his lack of effort, as he feared the Master. Faith drives out fear (Matthew 8:26, Mark 4:40). This is clearly demonstrated in the Apostles, who had been behind locked doors for fear of the Jews (John 20:19). From the Pentecost narrative (Acts 2), we know that the Apostles lost all fear when they received the Holy Spirit. They went out into public and used their gifts and “about three thousand souls were added that day” (Acts 2:41), an increase - the increase spoken of in Matthew 25, and which the Master is expecting from us through the use of our Talents (charisms).

 

[CHRISTINE77]

The lazy/slothful servant showed no appreciation for, and made no attempt to use even the humble gift that he received. He hid it so that he could not, or would not be tempted to use it (Matthew 13:44 - remember the treasure hidden in the field?). Being buried, it was out of sight, out of mind. Finally, he rationalized his lack of effort, as he feared the Master. Faith drives out fear (Matthew 8:26, Mark 4:40). This is clearly demonstrated in the Apostles, who had been behind locked doors for fear of the Jews (John 20:19). From the Pentecost narrative (Acts 2), we know that the Apostles lost all fear when they received the Holy Spirit. They went out into public and used their gifts and “about three thousand souls were added that day” (Acts 2:41), an increase - the increase spoken of in Matthew 25, and which the Master is expecting from us through the use of our Talents (charisms).

That’s the best explanation of this reading I have ever heard.

 

[fhansen]

The lazy/slothful servant showed no appreciation for, and made no attempt to use even the humble gift that he received. He hid it so that he could not, or would not be tempted to use it (Matthew 13:44 - remember the treasure hidden in the field?). Being buried, it was out of sight, out of mind. Finally, he rationalized his lack of effort, as he feared the Master. Faith drives out fear (Matthew 8:26, Mark 4:40). This is clearly demonstrated in the Apostles, who had been behind locked doors for fear of the Jews (John 20:19). From the Pentecost narrative (Acts 2), we know that the Apostles lost all fear when they received the Holy Spirit. They went out into public and used their gifts and “about three thousand souls were added that day” (Acts 2:41), an increase - the increase spoken of in Matthew 25, and which the Master is expecting from us through the use of our Talents (charisms).

As an aside, any thoughts on these parts of the parable?:
** ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.’

26 “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? **

 

[po18guy]

As an aside, any thoughts on these parts of the parable?:
** ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.’

26 “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? **

Strictly speaking, the sower of the seed is the evangelists, all to God’s benefit. God does not perform this work Himself, but entrusts the work to us. He does not work Himself, but sends others - His servants - who provide the increase using His gifts (charisms). I’m taking a chance here and will insert the Haydock Commentary:

Ver. 24. I know that thou art a hard man. This is an insignificant part, that is, an ornament of the parable only; as also when it is said: I should have received mine with usury. ver. 27. (Witham) — This seems to have been an adage levelled at avaricious men, who are never pleased but with what increases their hoards. Under this symbol is also depicted the excuse of many, who accuse God of being the cause of their idleness, both here and in the judgment to come; as that God is too severe and unbending, whose service is extremely hard, and who adopts, rejects, and reprobates whom he pleases; who deals out heavier burdens than the weak nature of man is made to support; who denies the grace of obedience, and thus wishes to reap where he has not sown. (Jansenius)

Ver. 26. Thou evil and slothful servant, for thus calumniating thy master; if I wish to reap where I have not sown, how ought you to fear my just indignation, if were I have sown I find nothing by your neglect to reap. Thus our Lord retorts the accusation upon the servant, as in Luke xix. 22. Out of thy own mouth I judge thee, thou wicked servant.

 

[po18guy]

That’s the best explanation of this reading I have ever heard.

Well, all praise to the Holy Spirit, who found a way, even through me, to make this understandable. This parable is also very useful to show that all good is done by the use of the graces God gives us - but that we must cooperate (trade in the market - evangelize) with those graces in order to accomplish His divine will. Some (I think Calvinists primarily) allege that no such active or willing cooperation is necessary - we simply cannot resist God’s graces. Well, this parable shows that we certainly can resist the use of them!

 

[Aussieman88]

In the bible, Beginning at Acts 1, 8. (which is when Jesus assended to Heaven) EVERY SINGLE TIME after this when the bible says someone was filled with the Holy Spirit they spoke in tongues.

This does not mean every time the Holy Spirit entered someone like for a healing for example. But every time it says they were filled with the holy spirit, they spoke in tongues. There are actually more people who spoke in tongues mentioned than there were miracles mentioned. I can’t work out why most catholics treat it like the plague. Speaking in tongues is our own spirit praying the perfect prayer in a language the enemy can’ t understand.

 

[grannymh]

In the bible, Beginning at Acts 1, 8. (which is when Jesus assended to Heaven) EVERY SINGLE TIME after this when the bible says someone was filled with the Holy Spirit they spoke in tongues.

This does not mean every time the Holy Spirit entered someone like for a healing for example. But every time it says they were filled with the holy spirit, they spoke in tongues. There are actually more people who spoke in tongues mentioned than there were miracles mentioned. I can’t work out why most catholics treat it like the plague. Speaking in tongues is our own spirit praying the perfect prayer in a language the enemy can’ t understand.

May I respectfully clarify that it is the Holy Spirit praying–not our own spirit–in your excellent explanation of tongues, which I put in bold.

I think I understand what you mean by “our own spirit” in that we freely choose another spiritual way of praying.
In addition, we freely choose the intention of our prayer. However, I have noticed that some Catholics wonder if it is only the person who is praying in tongues. For some reason, there is a disconnect regarding the Holy Spirit’s role in His gift of praying in tongues.

Praying in tongues is the Holy Spirit praying the perfect prayer in a language the enemy can’ t understand.

 

[sennincatholic]

In the bible, Beginning at Acts 1, 8. (which is when Jesus assended to Heaven) EVERY SINGLE TIME after this when the bible says someone was filled with the Holy Spirit they spoke in tongues.

This does not mean every time the Holy Spirit entered someone like for a healing for example. But every time it says they were filled with the holy spirit, they spoke in tongues. There are actually more people who spoke in tongues mentioned than there were miracles mentioned. I can’t work out why most catholics treat it like the plague. Speaking in tongues is our own spirit praying the perfect prayer in a language the enemy can’ t understand.

Catholics don’t treat it like the plague!Catholics treat speaking in tongues with caution because someone cannot tell for sure if another person is speaking gibberish or actually speaking in tongues by the holy spirit if there is no 3rd person around to interprete.Even Paul cautioned about speaking in tongues without someone to inteprete.(i ve forgotten the verse…)well if you’re alone in your room and you start speaking in tongues then its fine for you.
Many people pretend they are speaking in tongues inorder to prove to others they ar are filled with the Holy spirit.(sorry for the poor grammar)

 

[CHRISTINE77]

Strictly speaking, the sower of the seed is the evangelists, all to God’s benefit. God does not perform this work Himself, but entrusts the work to us. He does not work Himself, but sends others - His servants - who provide the increase using His gifts (charisms). I’m taking a chance here and will insert the Haydock Commentary:

It’s sort of a parable about our Christian lives. If we love God and want to serve him, we use our talents to add to the Kingdom. When we are called for judgement God can see what we have joyfully done with his gifts. The last servant is someone who has no love for God, sees him as a taskmaster and doesn’t even try to use his gifts to serve God. In the end he is judged, harvested and thrown out of the Kingdom of Heaven.