“Always remember the end, for lost time never returns” (Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ).
It is not easy for us to put these wise words into practice, even though they would bring so much clarity to our lives. Sacred Scripture also exhorts us: “In all you do, remember the end of your life, and then you will never sin” (Sir 7:36).
“What, then, will anyone gain by winning the whole world and forfeiting his life?” (Mt 16:26)
Through the first four gifts (fear of the Lord, piety, fortitude and counsel), the Holy Spirit guides our moral life above all. Through the last three gifts (knowledge, understanding and wisdom) He directly guides our supernatural life, i.e. our God-centred life.
The first four gifts lead to the perfection of the cardinal virtues; the last three, on the other hand, complete the theological virtues. These last three gifts are related to contemplation, to the life of prayer, to unification with God.
