Catholic Talks On The Holy Spirit (2 Beliefs)

Q: To me, the Holy Spirit is an Enigma. Please teach me how better to understand the Holy Spirit – James

A: Scripture comes to mind, that when St Paul went to Ephesus, he inquired if they had received the Holy. They replied, “We have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” (Acts 19:2). You of course have heard, but like many, are not sure of His role in your life, and wonder how better to experience Him.

Within the Blessed Trinity the Father beholds the Son, and the Son beholds the Father. And there flows from them both, and between them, a divine love that is so perfect, and of such infinite ardor, as to be a living Love, and a divine person (for it is the very nature of God to exist), and we call this Love, the Holy Spirit.

To have the Holy Spirit living in us, received at Baptism, is to be caught up into the very love and life of God. The work of the Holy Spirit is, first, to sanctify us, to make us holy and pleasing to God. The Holy Spirit also bestows on us countless graces and charisms to transform us and make us a blessing to others.

It is no surprise that one image of the Holy Spirit is that of fire. For as tongues of fire came to rest upon the first disciples, so too for us does the Holy Spirit light the fire of God’s love in us, purifying and refining away impurities, and instilling in us, with increasing perfection, the life, love and glory of God.

Another image of the Holy Spirit is that of the rushing wind that came upon the disciples at Pentecost. The word “Spirit” means “breath.” Yes, God, the Holy Spirit breathes new life into us. And by his power we become more, and more alive, in the new life Christ purchased for us, a new mind, by the Spirit’s inspiration, and new heart by His love, a growing transformation and a share in every good and perfect gift by his grace.

What does the Holy Spirit do for you? Consider the transformation of the first disciples at Pentecost. Anxious individuals gathered in an upper room were suddenly transformed and, throwing open the door, went forth with love and confidence to boldly proclaim Christ. This, the Holy Spirit offers you as well.