Day 2 — The Gift of Understanding

Antiphon

If You withdraw your grace, nothing pure remains in man; all that is good grows sick.

Meditation on the Gift of Understanding

Understanding, as a gift of the Holy Spirit, helps us grasp the meaning of the truths of our holy religion. By faith we know them, but by understanding we learn to relish and desire them. It lets us penetrate the deep meaning of revealed truths and, through them, kindle the newness of life. Our faith ceases to be barren and inactive and inspires a way of life that eloquently testifies to the faith within us. We begin to "walk worthy of God in all things, pleasing Him and growing in the knowledge of God" (Col 1:10).

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Come, O Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten our minds, that we may know and believe all the mysteries of salvation, and that at last we may deserve to see the eternal Light in the Light, and in the light of glory have a clear vision of You and of the Father and of the Son. Amen.

Act of Consecration to the Holy Spirit (for all days)

Receive, O Holy Spirit, the absolute consecration of all my being, which I make to You this day, that You may henceforth be, in every instant of my life, in each of my actions, my Director, my Light, my Guide, my Strength, and all the love of my Heart.

I abandon myself without reserve to your divine operations, and I desire ever to be docile to your holy inspirations.

O Holy Spirit! Deign to form me with Mary and in Mary, after the model of your beloved Jesus.

Glory to the Father Creator. Glory to the Son Redeemer. Glory to the Holy Spirit the Sanctifier. Amen.

(Our Father, Hail Mary, and Gloria).