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Question
Dear Father,
I have a question concerning the gift of speaking in tongues (mentioned in 1 Cor 14:2 or Rom 8:26).
It seems to me that this gift is often mocked and considered a falsehood.
As you know, I grew up in an evangelical home, my parents are Presbyterians and one of my brothers is evangelical.
We are currently attending a Pentecostal church.
One of the last messages of the Holy Spirit, received through the interpretation of tongues, told us that God hears us in prayer and wants us to persevere.
I took this as a message directed to me.
I had in fact been away from prayer for a few days because of some personal issues. The next day then I prayed a rosary, said another prayer to the Holy Trinity, and generally asked for intercession.
While praying the rosary in particular, I felt like I was quite literally beating up demons, and I sometimes even felt a deep hatred towards the antichrist.
Thanks a lot in advance,
Martin
Answer from the priest
Dear Martin,
1. concerning the gift of tongues:
The gift of tongues mainly translated into a form of prayer addressed to God, rather than in speaking new and unknown languages.
Thus says St. Paul: “For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.” (1 Cor. 14:2).
This is also the meaning of what we can read in Rom. 8:26-27: “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. And he who searches the hearts of men knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”
This does not rule out the speaking of new and unfamiliar languages per se.
Among Pentecostals, both Catholic and Protestant, there is a lot of emphasis on praying in tongues.
2. St. Thomas recalls that the gift of tongues was much desired in the early Christian community in Corinth, so much so that in ch. 14 of 1 Cor. he feels compelled to delineate some criteria.
He says, “Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than he who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.” (1 Cor. 14:5).
Prophecy is intended not only as the gift of foretelling the future, but especially as the capability of speaking under direct inspiration from the Holy Spirit, to then be able to edify and strengthen the faith.
3. St. Paul considers the gift of tongues as a true grace that comes from God. However, he says that it does not serve its purpose if it is not also accompanied by the gift of interpreting tongues: “Now, brethren, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how shall I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will any one know what is played? And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? So with yourselves; if you in a tongue utter speech that is not intelligible, how will any one know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air.” (1 Cor. 14:6-9).
4. And again, “Therefore, he who speaks in a tongue should pray for the power to interpret. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. What am I to do? I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the mind also; I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.” (1 Cor. 14:13-15).
5. St. Paul even fears the consequences of speaking in tongues while no one can explain what is said and taught in tongues: “If, therefore, the whole church assembles and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are mad? But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.” (1 Cor. 14:23-25).
6. Therefore, praying in tongues when moved by the Holy Spirit is certainly a good thing, but it is necessary to have someone with the gift of interpreting tongues being present as well.
And here is where the biggest issue arises. It is not sufficient for someone to simply say, “I have the gift of interpreting tongues,” because no one can be a rightful judge in his own trial. An authentic discernment is essential.
In any case, everyone can perceive on his own account what the Lord wants to say to him.
In your case, you felt moved to pray and prayed the Holy Rosary.
7. At this point while saying your Rosary you felt – according to your language – that you were “literally beating up demons.”
Yes, that is correct. When we say “Hail Mary,” we make Our Lady come in our presence.
Our Lady is the One of whom the Lord said, at the dawn of creation, that her task would be to crush the head of the infernal enemy.
The Song of Songs says about her: “Who is this that looks forth like the dawn, fair as the moon, bright as the sun, terrible as an army with banners?” (Song 6:10).
An earlier translation, instead of writing “terrible as an army with banners”, translated directly from Latin: “terrible as an army lined up for battle.” This translation is certainly more powerful and understandable.
8. Yes, when we recite the Rosary we wreak havoc among demons, even if we don’t see it with our eyes.
Someone said that it is as if we were inflicting heavy blows to their heads.
9. The last observation you made is quite delightful: the Lord has given you the grace to sense the efficacy of this powerful prayer.
Keep it up.
I bless you, I wish you well and remember you in the prayer of the Rosary.
Father Angelo