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Counsel is the sanctifying gift of supernatural prudence, right judgment, spiritual intuition, and transfer of control to the Holy Spirit for quick response in an unexpected or difficult situation. Counsel requires the state of grace to elect the best action for the Glory of God and our salvation.

Fr. Maximilian Kolbe’s execution in the Auschwitz concentration camp during WWII is a remarkable Counsel example. He voluntarily substituted for a prisoner wrongly condemned to death for another prisoner’s alleged escape attempt.

“The ten were selected, including one imprisoned for helping the Polish Resistance. He couldn’t help a cry of anguish. ‘My poor wife!’ he sobbed. What will do ‘my poor children?’ When he uttered this cry of dismay, Maximilian stepped silently forward, took off his cap, and stood before the commandant and said, ‘I am a Catholic priest. Let me take his place. I am old. He has a wife and children.’”

The priest also practiced Crist’s New Commandment:

“I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” (John 13:34)

Fr. John Hardon compared Counsel with Prudence:

It requires reflection on alternatives before selecting the best course of action, whereas Counsel instantly advises the action.  Christ said: “But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.” (Matthew 10:19) Counsel is immediate and Prudence is analytical. A prudent man can advise his neighbors regardless of the state of grace but receives the gift of Counsel only if he is in the state of grace and is receptive to the Holy Spirit.

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