The Gifts of the Holy Spirit in Scripture - Lesson IV
Ministry Gifts - Part I
Ministry, Exhortation, Giving, Leadership, Mercy
Suggested answers.
Be sure to answer the questions yourself first!
Then compare your answers to those listed here.
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Ministry
1. What is the difference between ministry
in this general sense and ministry as a gift as in Seek the
Gifts?
Ministry in general is service of some sort; ministry as a gift
is "serving people in very practical ways by supernatural
power" – perhaps with a special knowing what the needs
are and being enabled to meet them – coming from God and not
just ourselves.
Exhortation
2. Some of the Pope's letters are labelled
"apostolic exhortations". What might be the
significance of these letters in contrast to others?
Probably more of a call to action in contrast to others which may
be teaching about points of doctrine or issues which need
addressing.
3. What difference is there between
exhortation and encouragement?
In some people’s minds there may be none, but exhortation
might be thought of as "cheering on" and encouragement
as "cheering up".
4. According to the Catechism, priests
"encourage their brethren by their example". How can we
encourage others by our example?
By our actions – especially doing what is right when it is
difficult; the practice of Christian virtues; our character and
spirit; faithful church attendance.
Giving
5. Fr. Al (SG) said that a tithe is a bill,
not a gift. How did you feel when you read this? What do you
think about this statement?
It’s a strong statement – many will feel uncomfortable
or even resentful.
Without being legalistic, one could probably say that the tithe is a minimum level of giving for Christians; some would say that only the amount above the tithe is really giving.
6. If we sold our possessions and gave away
the proceeds, would God take care of us? Explain.
If we had a direct command from God to do so, He would. If we did
it just on our own or to test Him, probably not. We notice that
He told the rich young ruler to do so, but not Zaccheus.
7. To what or whom should we give?
God – but we must decide who is doing His work and should be
supported. We can ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit for
specifics. Some would say that all of our tithe should go to the
local church (for Catholics this would include the diocese) and
only giving above it to other ministries. Others would say that
the local church does not completely embody all that God is doing
and would justify giving a portion of the tithe to other
ministries.
Leadership
8. How does leadership in Christian groups
differ from leadership in other realms - e.g. in government or
business?
It is servant leadership, not based on dominating or commanding
– a Christian leader wouldn’t be called
"boss". While government officials are sometimes
referred to as "public servants", not many seem to have
an attitude of humble service. Christian leadership aims at
leading toward what God wants, not necessarily what the group
wants.
9. What was the significance of "foot
washing" in Jesus' time? Why is Jesus' act of washing the
apostles' feet not usually interpreted as instituting a sacrament
of foot washing?
Because the people wore sandals and many streets and roads were
not paved, their feet became dusty. It was an expression of
hospitality to have a servant wash visitors’ feet when they
came into the house.
It seems more an example or analogy of how we are to serve. In the sacraments we receive grace enabling us to do something – e.g. live our Christian lives.
10. How can we tell if someone (including
ourselves) has a gift of leadership?
Do they: have an attitude of service & self-sacrifice; help
people work together; attract followers even without seeking
them; have a vision of what God wants and an ability to
communicate it.
Mercy
11. What are works of mercy?
Charitable acts by which we come to the aid of our neighbors
spiritually and physically.
12. What is the difference between showing
mercy and doing works of mercy?
Showing mercy: forgiveness
Doing works of mercy: actions – feed the hungry, visit the
sick, etc.
13. If we are all called to show mercy and
do works of mercy, how is the gift of mercy different?
The gift of mercy is the supernatural empowering to be able to
show mercy and do works of mercy. In the words of M.Teresa, it
can "overcome repugnance".
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