Resume of the Doctoral Thesis in Theology of Msgr. Joao Scognamiglio Cla Dias, EP (cont'd)
Click here to read Part 1: http://heraldsgospelsinengland.blogspot.com/2011/03/living-example-of-gift-of-wisdom.html
It is easier to experience the gifts of the Holy Spirit than to explain them scientifically, as an emminent theologian affirmed. Monsignor Joao Cla overcame this problem by taking a unique approach to his doctorate in theology.
The Kingdom of God
The thesis begins with a theoretical discussion on grace and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, based on the episode of St. Luke’s Gospel in which Jesus answers the Pharisees regarding the coming of the Kingdom of God: “Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, He answered them, ‘The Kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; nor will they say, “Lo, here it is!” or “There!” for behold, the Kingdom of God is in the midst of yoy.” (Lk 17:20-21)
In this simple dialogue there are two implicit contradictory conceptions of the Kingdom of God: the worldly one of the Pharisees, and the completely spiritual one of Jesus. There are in fact two forms of wisdom present here: that of the world and that of the Holy Spirit.
Innocence, the door to wisdom.
After presenting the doctrinal presuppositions on how grace and the gifts of the Holy Spirit operate in souls, as well as the speculative and practical effects of the gift of wisdom, the author proceeds to the biographical information, comparing the principal episodes of the life of Plinio Correa de Oliveira with the theological dovtrine on the gifts of wisdom and mysticism. The narration thus reveals, as in a compendium, the effects of the gift of wisdom in the soul of Dr. Plinio. Contrary to the experience of numerous mystics, who only reached the plenitude of these effects after a long journey of spiritual ascension, in Dr. Plinio, wisdom manifested itself in his earliest childhood, indicating that for him, the gate to wisdom was innocence.
Some contemplative effects of wisdom were especially evident in Dr. Plinio’s visualisation of history; in which, with great perspicacity, he discerned the “footsteps of God” For him, the centre of history was Our Lord Jesus Christ and His mystical spouse, the Holy Church, and the fight between good and evil was the true compass of events. From this basic principle he drew the doctrine exposed in his essay Revolution and Counter-Revolution. Another contemplative effect of wisdom was his school of thought, presenting a notion of the universe under two aspects, like two wings of the spirit: doctrinal and symbolic.. As Dr. Plinio was accustomed to recall, the divine perfections are reflected in the universe constituting a splendid mosaic, which the well-formed soul should know how to interpret and use as a means to raise itself to the Creator.
“Flash” -a movement of the gift of wisdom.
Among the most important elements of Dr. Plinio’s spirituality were the motions of the gift of wisdom, which he called “flashes” because of their similarity to a light that suddenly illuminates the understanding and inflames the will, disposing one to understand certain truths of the Faith, in a virtually evident and pleasing manner, and imparting a great generosity of soul to practice virtue. Reputable theologians verify the existence of this mystical phenomenon,confirming it to be the most sublime grace the soul can receive on this earth. According to Dr Plinio, these mystical graces are bestowed on all the faithful, more often than one might think, and various theologians share this viewpoint. Nevertheless an excessively rationalist formation leads many people to ignore the motions of the Holy Spirit, and the secularization of mentalities persuades them to give credence only to material values and the unbridled pleasures of life.
Ardent charity, discernment of spirits and prophetism.
Some practical effects of wisdom became manifest in Dr. Plinio as fruit of his ardent charity. Zeal for the glory of God acted as the driving force which constantly urged him to to give himself tirelessly to the works of the apostolate, spiritual formation of his followers and unceasing efforts for their perseverance in the vocation. This zeal for the salvation of souls led him to offer himself as a victim to God in 1975, seeking to obtain superabundant graces for the flourishing of the lay movement he founded. The sufferings resulting from a terrible car accident three days later -the after-effects of which prevented him from walking for the rest of his life -were the bloody price he joyfully paid with unbounded generosity.
The charism of discernment of spirits, which made him an unequalled director of souls, as well as the gift of prophetism, were some of the other practical effects of wisdom expressed in his person. His charism of prophetism remains registered in inumerable articles published in O Legionario, the official organ of the Archdiocese of Sao Paulo, and afterwards in other large-circulation periodicals in Brazil, such at the Folha de Sao Paulo.
Blessed are the peacemakers.
According to the common opinion of theologians, the gift of wisdom corresponds to the seventh beatitude: “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God.” (Mt 5:9) Peace is the tranquillity of order, as St. Augustine teaches. Thus the wise man seeks to establish peace, first within himself, and afterwards around himself, creating conditions for true peace to reign. This was the ideal of Dr. Plinio’s entire existence: the restoration of Order, according to the Law of God, in temporal society. From this also arose this great complexity: not seeing the realisation of his most ardent desire, namely the fulfilment of the promise made by Our Lady in Fatima: “In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph.” This would be tantamount to the establishment of the spiritual kingdom of Christ on earth.
Love of the cross and configuration with Christ.
Those who open their soul to wisdom embrace suffering, Dr. Plinio stated. It is through suffering that the Christian becomes more like Christ, and this similarity is the principal and most sublime effect of the gift of wisdom. For the hedonist mentality of modern man, it is difficult to accept this truth, and accept suffering with resignation. This led Dr. Plinio to bring to his followers’ attention the importance of the cross in the process of sanctification: “We must never flee from suffering, as from a ghost, but rather pass through a series of archways of suffering throughout the course of life. They will lead us to the magnificent stained-glass window of death which opens … and then we will see heaven.” This disposition of soul led him to say at the end of his life: “I would die disappointed if I thought I had fled from even one ounce of suffering.”
This conviction in the face of adversity expressed itself above all in Christian resignation with which he confronted his final sickness. Although he had a presentiment of his impending end some months beforehand, even declaring it to some of his collaborators, he did not alter his routine of intense activity, nor did he manifest the symptoms of the disease which sapped his strength, but rather, he continued to march forward with confidence in
Providence towards “that magnificent stained-glass window of death”, certain of seeing heaven after passing through it. All the physical sufferings and interior trials of his final days were endured with a serenity, meekness and dignity that profoundly impressed all who accompanied him in the hospial until the final moment of departure for eternity. Shortly after breathing his last, his physiognomy, until then etched with pain, shone with abgentle smile, revealing a remarkable expression of peace, and confirming the authenticity of what he himself had taught and practiced: “It is a characteristic of oblation that it be made with such goodwill that, at the moment of the consummatum est a smile blossoms.”
His complete conformity with Our Lord Jesus Christ was consummated -the most sublime effect of the gift of wisdom.
[1] Benedict XVI, Speech, 5/12/08
Click here to read Part 1: http://heraldsgospelsinengland.blogspot.com/2011/03/living-example-of-gift-of-wisdom.html
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