Have You Met the Holy Spirit?
I met the Holy Spirit as an adult who was finding her faith. I was drawn to the love and drive for spiritual growth that I received from the Holy Spirit. Let me introduce you to who the Holy Spirit is, why the Holy Spirit is and how the Holy Spirit is. Come along on this journey of faith and spiritual growth!
Who is the Holy Spirit?
In Pope Francis’ General Audience talk at St. Peter’s Square on April 9, 2014, he tells us The Holy Spirit Himself is a gift of God. He goes on to say that “the Holy Spirit constitutes the soul, the life blood of the Church and of every individual Christian: He is the Love of God who makes of our hearts his dwelling place and enters into communion with us. The Holy Spirit abides with us always, he is always within us, in our hearts.”
Acts 2:1-4, tells about Pentecost:
“When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together.
And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were.
Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them.
And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.”
The Nine Symbols
There are nine symbols for the Holy Spirit. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains these quite clearly.
Water. The symbolism of water signifies the Holy Spirit’s action in Baptism and represents new birth.
Anointing. The symbolism of anointing with oil is a unique way of bringing in the Holy Spirit.
Fire. Fire symbolizes the transforming energy of the Holy Spirit’s actions just like with the disciples on the morning of Pentecost.
Cloud and light. These two images occur together in the manifestations of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is revealed by light through the clouds.
The seal is a symbol close to that of anointing. It expresses the indelible “character” imprinted by the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders.
The hand. Jesus heals the sick and blesses many by laying hands on them.
The finger. Luke 11:20 “But if it is by the finger of God that [I] drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.”
The dove. Mark 1:10, “On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him.”
The Gifts
In my previous column, “Explaining the Traditional Gifts of the Holy Spirit”, I talk briefly about each gift. I encourage you to read it here. The seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit are: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Knowledge, Fortitude, Piety, and Fear of the Lord.
To receive these gifts, you must first be ready. Prepare yourself by knowing Jesus. Pray and learn about each gift. Pray with others and ASK to receive the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Reject fear associated with receiving the Gifts. Keep praying.
The Fruits
In my previous column, “Do You desire the Fruits of the Holy Spirit?”, I share with you a little about each Fruit.You can read it here. The Fruits of the Holy Spirit are: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control. These can be found in Galatians 5:22-23 (usccb.org)
With this in mind, remember to lean on God in the way of the Holy Spirit to aid you in your journey of life. The Holy Spirit offers these Gifts and Fruits so that you are better able to serve His Kingdom and all of humanity.
The Role
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). It is the love shared between Father and Son. The Holy Spirit is an advocate and counselor. It guides us towards goodness and truth in God.
1 Corinthians 2:12 states, “We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the things freely given us by God.” (usccb.org)
The Holy Spirit brings us closer to God and to what God desires for us. This ties together our relationship with the Father and the Son.
Calling Upon the Holy Spirit
This prayer is one I have used and love to use to call upon the Holy Spirit. It can be found on the United States Council of Catholic Bishops website.
“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful
and kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created,
and you shall renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray.
O God, who have taught the hearts of the faithful
by the light of the Holy Spirit,
grant that in the same Spirit we may be truly wise
and ever rejoice in his consolation.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Get to know your advocate, the Holy Spirit.
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