Pope Francis: Gift of knowledge helps us see every person and everything in the light of God’s plan

(CNA/EWTN News) - During his general audience address on May 21, Pope Francis spoke on the Holy Spirit's gift of knowledge, explaining that it enlightens our human perspective and helps us to see God in the whole of creation.

“The gift of knowledge puts us in tune with God's gaze on things and on people” the Pope reflected, continuing his catechesis on the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.

“Through this spiritual gift, we are enabled to see every person, and the world around us, in the light of God's loving plan.”

The Roman Pontiff noted that “This knowledge does not limit itself to the human knowledge of nature,” but instead “allows us to perceive the greatness of God and his love for his creatures” through creation.

“In a sense, we see the beauty, harmony and goodness of all creation with the eyes of God its maker” he continued, observing that “As is clear from the lives of Saint Francis of Assisi and so many other saints, the gift of knowledge gives rise to grateful contemplation of the world of nature and joyful praise of the Creator.”

Noting how “the beauty and immensity of creation speaks to us of the Creator and invites us to worship him,” the Pope drew attention to the bible's account of creation in Genesis, saying that it “underscores that God himself was happy with his work: all was good and man was ‘very good.$0"2$

This gift, he went on, teaches us to “exercise wise stewardship” over our resources “for the benefit of the whole human family.”

He then described how the gift of knowledge also “prevents us from restricting our vision to the persons and things of this world alone, forgetting that in their order, value and beauty they point beyond themselves to God,” who is “their source and ultimate end.”

Seeing with the vision of God, he explained, is “A kind and respectful gaze that warns us of the danger of believing we are the total owners of creation, disposing of it as we like and without limits.”

“Creation is not our property, and much less of just a few. It is rather a gift that God has given us so that we take care of it and use it with respect for the benefit of all.”

Bringing his reflections to a close, the Roman Pontiff encouraged those present to ask the Holy Spirit “to help us grow in the knowledge which enables us to perceive the love with which God guides the world, to respond with gratitude and to praise him for his infinite goodness and love.”

“May we see everything around us as God's work, and our fellow men as brothers and sisters.”

The Pope noted that May 24 marks the celebration of the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary Help of Christians, “who is venerated with great devotion at the Shrine of Sheshan in Shanghai.”

“I ask all the faithful to pray that, under the protection of the Mother Help of Christians, Catholics in China continue to believe, to hope, to love and to be, in all circumstances, a leaven of harmonious coexistence among their fellow citizens.”

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