The Gift of Words

A gratuitous grace is one given less for the benefit of theperson who receives it than for the benefit of others. Such a graceis the gift of effective speaking for the benefit and enlightenmentof souls. The gift of tongues makes understood theknowledge that is expressed; the gift of words makes the expressioneffective in convincing and converting souls. St. Gregory*(Hom.* xxx in Ev.) says: “Unless the Holy Ghost fill the hearts of those who hear, the teacher’s voicesounds vainly in their bodily ears.”

The grace of the word of God to be preached publicly to thefaithful of the Church, is given to men, not to women.