Choose a topic from Part 2B:
1. Man needs a sound grasp of the truths of faith, and hehas it by the gift of understanding. And man also needs to makesure and right judgments, in the light of faith, in all the affairsand situations of life; he is equipped to do this by the gift ofknowledge.
2. The gift of knowledge is concerned with human andcreated things inasmuch as these pertain to the faith in anyway.
3. The gift of knowledge is primarily of speculativeknowledge, for it deals with certitude in judging what things arein the light of faith. But all knowledge of creatures that refersto God and the faith must indicate, in some manner, what a personis to do as he strives to walk in the way of such knowledge.Therefore, the gift of knowledge is not entirely speculative; it isalso practical.
4. The third beatitude, "Blessed are they that mourn,for they shall be comforted," corresponds to the gift ofknowledge. For knowledge of creatures in reference to God, and inthe light of faith, is knowledge of how man fails throughcreatures, and loses his true good by putting his trust in them.Hence, knowledge involves sorrow for sin-that is, fruitfulmourning.
"God commands not impossibilities, but by commanding he suggests to you to do what you can, to ask for what is beyond your strength; and he helps you, that you may be able."
St Augustine
* * *
"The more you know and the better you understand, the more severely will you be judged, unless your life is also the more holy. Do not be proud, therefore, because of your learning or skill. Rather, fear because of the talent given you."
Thomas á Kempis
* * *
"O Lord, my God, who will seek you with simple and pure love, and not find that you are all one can desire, for you show yourself first and go out to meet those who seek you?
"
St John of the Cross, OCD - Doctor of the Church
* * *