Charisms

Lectio                                                                                                      
1 COR 12:4-11

Brothers and sisters:
There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; 
there are different forms of service but the same Lord;
there are different workings but the same God
who produces all of them in everyone.
To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit
is given for some benefit.
To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom;
to another, the expression of knowledge according to the
same Spirit;
to another, faith by the same Spirit;
to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit;
to another, mighty deeds;
to another, prophecy;
to another, discernment of spirits;
to another, varieties of tongues;
to another, interpretation of tongues.
But one and the same Spirit produces all of these,
distributing them individually to each person as he wishes.

Studio:

Ecstatic and charismatic activity were common in early Christian experience.  But the Corinthians seemed to hold "speaking in tongues," as higher than the other gifts.  I find that true today, too.  Paul's response is that the "speaking in tongues" is not any good if it is not interpreted.  All the gifts are useless, alone.  They are to be used for the good of the community and not for oneself.  They are compared to the human body.  What good is a hand without a foot, etc.?

Meditatio:

I have been given many gifts.  Do I use them for the good of others?  I remember the transforming presence of the Holy Spirit when I was baptised in the Holy Spirit.  It is the Holy Spirit who gives these blessings to everyone to be used to unite us all in the Body of Christ.

Oratio:

Holy Spirit, help not to forget Your Presence in my life.  I wish to thank You by honoring the use of your gifts with blessings for others.  Help me.  Guide me.

Contemplatio:

Come Holy Spirit.