The word “Counsel” can often make us think of getting advice from a friend or a teacher. In our faith, however, Counsel (or “Right Judgement”) is something much deeper. It is one of the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit, which we are sealed with at Confirmation.

This gift is not about God giving us a ‘cheat sheet’ for life’s problems. Instead, the Gift of Counsel is the quiet, steady wisdom that helps us to know right from wrong, and to choose the right path—God’s path. It is the spiritual common sense that helps us make good, moral choices in everyday situations.

Day 1 – The gift we are given…

We invite you to start with the Sign of the Cross.

Response: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen

A reading from the Prophet Isaiah

The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.

The Word of the Lord.

R./ Thanks be to God

When we are unsure what to do, the Holy Spirit gives us counsel. It guides us to be peacemakers in arguments, to be honest when it would be easier to lie, and to be brave in standing up for others. To use this gift, we must first be quiet enough to listen for that guiding voice, and then brave enough to follow it.

Day 2 – A force that binds us…

We invite you to start with the Sign of the Cross.

Response: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen

The Holy Spirit is a force that guides us all. We all have people in our lives that guide us but this is something bigger that exists in all things and in all people.

It’s a hard concept to explain so we’ll let Yoda give us one of the best ways of beginning to understand how the Holy Spirt guides us and give us strength.

What does the Holy Spirit enable us to do?

Yesterday, we explored that Counsel is a gift from the Holy Spirit. But how do we hear it? God doesn’t usually send us a text message. He gives us counsel in three main ways:

1. Through Prayer & Conscience: This is the most important one. When we are quiet and talk to God, we can often feel a “nudge” inside. This is our conscience, which the Holy Spirit helps to guide. It’s that feeling of “this is the right thing to ” or “I don’t feel good about this.” We have to practise listening to it.
2. Through Wise People: God places wise people in our lives for a reason—our parents, chaplains, teachers, and true friends. When we are struggling, asking for their advice (their “counsel”) is a way of asking God for help.
3. Through Scripture: The Bible is full of stories and advice. When we read the Gospels, we can ask, “What would Jesus do in this situation?” That is always the best counsel we can follow.

Have think about big decisions or moments in your life. Has there ever been a feeling or a voice that guided you? – Do you need some guidance now?

Just with the person next to you, share any way in which you might feel something bigger at work in your life, how have you been guided and how can the Holy Spirit help you today?

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Day 3 – Build Others Up…

We invite you to start with the Sign of the Cross.

Response: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen

The Gift of Counsel is not just for us to receive; it is for us to share. We are called to be a source of good counsel for others. This doesn’t mean telling everyone what to do. It means being the kind of person who “builds others up.” We can do this by giving a kind word, by encouraging a friend, or by being a peacemaker.

We are all part of one body, and the wisdom we have is meant to be shared to help that body grow stronger. The best advice often comes from our own experiences and the things we have learned.

Your mission today as a Form is to share the best counsel you have.

Discuss: In your form group, take a few minutes to talk about the best piece of advice you have ever been given. Where did it come from? (e.g., a parent, a friend, a teacher, something you read).