The supernatural gift of Knowlege leads us to the realization of the emptiness of all creatures, (Vanity of vanities! ... All things are vanity! Eccl 1:2) because they cannot fill our hearts with unending happiness. At the same time we begin to see creatures as suffused with the presence, activity and glory of God.

St. Francis of Assisi is a perfect example of this spiritual transformation. As a young man he dreamed of glory as a knight and dissipated his soul's energy in the love of creatures. One day he came to realize the emptiness of creatures, gave away his riches and became a poor man dependent of God for his daily needs. With this transformation of soul he began to see creatures in a new light--all creatures began to speak of God as we can see in the Canticle to the Sun:

"Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures,
especially through my lord Brother Sun,
who brings the day; and you give light through him.
And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor!
Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness."

Come, Father of the poor!
Come, Source of all our store!
Come, within our bosom shine!

Counsel is the gift of the Spirit which guides us to make decisions in life in accordance with God's will without doubt or hesitation.

We see this exemplified in the story of Christ and the woman caught in adultery. The Jews wanted to stone her in accordance with the laws of Moses. Jesus said to them, "Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." (Jn 8:7) They all left beginning with the oldest.

Bend the stubborn heart and will;
Melt the frozen, warm the chill:
Guide the steps that go astray.

Fortitude and Piety