I. Charism - La Salle.org

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II. CHARISM IN THE BIBLE
The gifts of the Spirit are of the most diverse kinds as are ministries
in the Church. What constitutes their most profound unity is that
they come from the single Spirit. Comparison with the human
body helps us to understand more easily their reference to the common
good (1Cor 12:17): they all work together for the good of the
Church, the Body of Christ. The distribution of these charisms is
at one and the same time a matter for the Spirit and a matter for
Christ who gives divine grace as he thinks best (Eph 4:7-10).
Paul was not concerned about giving us a reasoned classification of
charisms although he enumerates them several times (1 Cor 12:8;
Rom 12:6; Eph 4:1). Firstly, some charisms are related to functions
of the ministry: those of apostles, prophets, teachers, evangelists,
and pastors. Others concern diverse activities useful for the community:
service, instruction, exhortation, works of mercy, words of
wisdom or knowledge, gift of healing, speaking in tongues, discernment
of spirits… It is clear that most charisms played a special
role in the liturgy and worship of the primitive Church (Act 2:42).
The gift of tongues or glossolalia was a much valued, even highly
sought, charism in the liturgy of the primitive Church. This gift
was part of the service of the Word before the eucharistic worship
properly so called. The first manifestation of glossolalia was
undoubtedly on the day of Pentecost (Act 2:4-11 and 15; 10:46;
11:15; 19:6). The fact of speaking unknown languages or uttering
inarticulate sounds required, moreover, another gift, that of interpretation
of the unknown language by the same person or by others
(1 Cor 14:16 and 26). However the teaching ministry was more
important for Paul. The Holy Spirit intervened powerfully in the
instruction of converted Jews and pagans thanks to charisms that
we can no longer describe and recognise precisely today.
The gift of wisdom brings together clear knowledge and a masterly
art for expounding the mystery of Christ in all its height and depth