eive the gift of knowledge?
A. We receive the gift of knowledge to enable us to discover the will of
God in all things.

*181 Q. Why do we receive the gift of fortitude?
A. We receive the gift of fortitude to strengthen us to do the will of
God in all things.

Some know the will of God--what they should do--but they have not the
courage to follow the dictates of their conscience. For example, a
person goes with bad company: the gift of knowledge will teach him that
he should give it up; but the gift of fortitude will enable him to do
what his conscience shows him to be right.

*182 Q. Why do we receive the gift of counsel?
A. We receive the gift of counsel to warn us of the deceits of the
devil, and of the dangers to salvation.

The devil is much wiser than we are, and has much more experience, being
among the people of the world ever since the time of Adam--about 6,000
years. He could therefore easily deceive and overcome us if God Himself
by the gift of counsel did not enable us to discover his tricks and
expose his plots. When at times we are tempted, our conscience warns us,
and if we follow the warning we shall escape the sin. Counsel tells us
when persons or places are dangerous for our salvation.

*183 Q. Why do we receive the gift of understanding?
A. We receive the gift of understanding to enable us to know more
clearly the mysteries of faith.

"Mysteries," truths we could never know by reason, but only by the
teaching of God; and the gift of understanding enables us to know better
what His teaching means. The Apostles heard and knew what Our Lord
taught, but they did not fully understand the whole meaning till the
Holy Ghost had come.

*184 Q. Why do we receive the gift of wisdom?
A. We receive the gift of wisdom to give us a relish for the things of
God and to direct our whole life and all our actions to His honor and
glory.

"Relish," a liking for, a desire for.

*185 Q. Which are the beatitudes?
A. The beatitudes are:

(1) Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
(2) Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the land.
(3) Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.
(4) Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice, for they
shall be filled.
(5) Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
(6) Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God.
(7) Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children
of