This passage from Isaiah is the source of a very important part of Catholic tradition, namely the doctrine of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and the fear of the Lord. From the earliest times, the Church Fathers already taught this doctrine: in receiving the Holy Spirit, we receive these seven gifts for our spiritual advancement. Of course, only Jesus possessed these gifts in their fullness, for the Spirit descended on him in his humanity when he was baptized in the Jordan. At Pentecost Jesus, in union with the Father, sent the Holy Spirit upon the disciples gathered with Mary, the Mother of Jesus and so created the Church. As a result, we individual Christians receive the Holy Spirit in the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. The coming of the Holy Spirit also means that we receive the seven gifts, to form and deepen our spiritual lives and our sense of morality and help us to live moral lives which bring us to holiness. During Advent, let us prepare for the celebration of Christmas by reflecting upon our openness to the Holy Spirit, our appreciation of the seven gifts and so renew our commitment to Jesus.