What are understood by graces gratuitously given?
They are those privileges enumerated by St. Paul in the First Epistle to the Corinthians, chap. xii., ver. 8 et seq., viz., faith, wisdom, knowledge, the grace of healing, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, diverse kinds of tongues, and interpretation of speeches (VII. 7).
Is faith here mentioned the same as the virtue of faith?
No, for it implies a certain supereminent certainty with regard to divine truths which makes one fit to explain these truths to others (I.-II., CXI. 4, Obj. 2).
And the wisdom and knowledge aforementioned, are they distinct from the intellectual virtues and the gifts of the Holy Ghost which are called by the same name?
Yes, for they signify a certain abundance of knowledge and wisdom whereby man obtains a just appreciation of divine things, and is able to instruct others therein and to refute adversaries (I.-II., CXI., Obj. 4).
Did Christ ever use while on earth the spiritual privilege which is called diversity of tongues?
No, for the ministry of His Apostolate was exercised among the Jews only or among those who used the same language as the Jews; but He possessed this gift and could have made use of it had occasion offered (VII. 7, Obj. 3).
What is meant by saying that Christ had the grace of prophecy in so far as it implies the prophetic state properly so-called?
By this is meant that Christ during His life on earth lived the life we live, and was hence separated from heavenly things of which he spoke to men; although as regards the higher part of His soul He lived in the very centre as it were of the mysteries of God of which He had always perfect knowledge and the perfect joy resulting therefrom. In fact it is of the essence of a prophet to speak of things that are afar off and not within the sight of those to whom he announces them, and among whom He lives (VII. 8).
Next - The Catechism of the Summa - Tertia Pars - IV. OF THE PRIVILEGES OR PREROGATIVES OF THE HUMAN NATURE UNITED TO GOD THE SON, VIZ., OF HABITUAL OR SANCTIFYING GRACE; OF THE VIRTUES AND GIFTS OF THE HOLY GHOST; AND OF THE GRACES GRATUITOUSLY GIVEN (C)
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