Day 26 Reflection –

The Gift of Counsel

On Dialogue with Unbelievers, #1 – The Church, as the Second Vatican Council declares, by virtue of its mission to enlighten the entire world by preaching the Gospel and to unify in spirit men and women of every nation, race and culture, is a sign of that brotherhood which makes sincere dialogue possible and strengthens it.
Such attitude demands that a person show consideration and esteem for others, and understanding and kindness. This cannot be unless the other person is freely seen and accepted as “brother”.

“Counsel” is defined in the dictionary as “mutual exchange of ideas, opinions, discussions and deliberation.”
Someone has said that many people never learn how little they know until a child start asking them questions. This is particularly true in matters of our faith. The gift of counsel disposes us to be like a child as we humbly face life’s mystery.

A young boy was bombarding his father with lots of questions: “What’s that, Daddy? Why this, Daddy?”
The father finally exclaimed: “What a boy! You are asking too many questions. I wonder what would have happened had I asked so many questions when I was a boy.”
“Perhaps,” suggested the eager boy, “you’d have been able to answer some of mine.”

The gift of Counsel thrives in a compassionate heart. It is not merely a matter of giving advice to others. It requires openness to the Spirit who gives us insight into the depths of the other person’s situation and a discernment of what would be best under the circumstances.
It is also the gift of being able to see what will be the results of certain actions, especially in their everlasting repercussions. With the gift of counsel we can truly help others, not to take over their problems for them, but to reach out to them, to sympathize with them, to weep with them, laugh with them, and say the right words which will shake them and challenge them to make appropriate decisions.

A fire broke out in a house in which a man was fast asleep. They tried to carry him out through the window. No way. He was just too huge and heavy. They were pretty desperate till someone suggested: “Wake him up, then he’ll get out by himself.”

In the past perhaps, those in authority made decisions and told others what to do. Today the emphasis is ‘people empowerment’ and on co-responsibility as we listen to each other and consolidate our insights, recommendations, votes, meetings, and caucuses. These meetings can be dreary, boring and an unabashed power play for control.
But if we ask faith for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, every meeting is infused with the gift of counsel which gives humility to those who tend to control others and courage for the weak to take active part.

Scripture (Eph 4:1-3) – I, therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.

Prayer:
O Holy Spirit, grant Your gift of counsel to our church and community leaders, those who govern and direct our government, our economy and industries, that our people may be set free from want and fear to work in peace and security, for the promotion of total human and community development. Amidst the trials and conflicts of our social life, fill our centres of industry with Your presence. Guide us to learn the dignity of work and make it a daily offering to God our Father through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.