Choose a topic from Part 2B:

177. The Gift of Words

1. A gratuitous grace is one given less for the benefit of theperson who receives it than for the benefit of others. Such a graceis the gift of effective speaking for the benefit and enlightenmentof souls. The gift of tongues makes understood theknowledge that is expressed; the gift of words makes the expressioneffective in convincing and converting souls. St. Gregory(Hom. xxx in Ev.) says: "Unless the HolyGhost fill the hearts of those who hear, the teacher's voicesounds vainly in their bodily ears."

2. The grace of the word of God to be preached publicly to thefaithful of the Church, is given to men, not to women.

"Obedience is a short cut to perfection."
St Philip Neri

* * *

"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

* * *

"Whom do you seek, friend, if you seek not God? Seek him, find him, cleave to him; bind your will to his with bands of steel and you will live always at peace in this life and in the next."
St Alphonsus de Liguori

* * *