GOD THE HOLY SPIRITThe third person in the Trinity

GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT

The disciples still didn’t quite comprehend the “big picture.”

They were afraid that they would be arrested if they followed Christ’s command to preach the good news.

The Apostles needed to elect a new Apostle, St. Matthias. They understood the importance of “the Twelve”

The Holy Spirit would guide and enlighten them in their mission to spread the Good News to the whole world

CHRIST’S PROMISE TO SEND THE HOLY SPIRIT

John’s Gospel: Jesus promises to send the Advocate (Counselor)

Acts: Before his Ascension, Christ told his Apostles that he would send the Paraclete

Greek Parakletos means counselor, teacher, advocate, intercessor, helper, or comforter

How might the Holy Spirit perform each of the roles above?

The Paraclete is the same Holy Spirit from the OT, who spoke through the prophets, and who will guide the Church until the end of time.

DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Jewish feast of Shauvot (Pentecost) celebrates giving the Ten Commandments to Moses

Shauvot happens 50 days after Passover, thus “Pentecost”

While the Apostles were gathered in the Upper Room on Pentecost, something extraordinary happened.

The Holy Spirit descended upon them as tongues of fire in fulfillment of the prophecies.

This begins the Church’s public ministry in the world

THE FILIOQUE QUESTION

The original Nicene Creed states: who proceeds from the Father.

In 589, the bishops at the Council of Toledo added: “and the Son” (in Latin, filioque)

The amended creed was rejected by the Greek-speaking Eastern Churches.

Due to the Filioque question, concerns about papal primacy, and other cultural differences, the Great Schism occurred in 1054.

THE MISSION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit has ALWAYS played an essential role in salvation. He participated in Creation He inspired writers of Sacred Scripture He played a role in the Incarnation

Enables up to perceive God Helps us see ourselves as God’s children Directs us towards Jesus

SYMBOLS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Water- new life in Baptism, cleansing Anointing- sacred oils, a symbol of strength

and healing Fire- courage and purification Cloud and Light- led the Israelites in the

desert, shrouded Christ at Transfiguration A Hand- laying on of hands as part of

Confirmation/Holy Orders invoking the Holy Spirit

A Dove- an image of peace and purity of heart, recalling the Baptism of Jesus

EIGHT SIMPLE WAYS…

The Spirit is active in the Church today (CCC) When we listen to, read, study Scripture When we read the lives of Saints When we obediently accept the Magisterium’s

teaching authority When we receive the Sacraments When we pray When we support the missions/apostolates When we recognize the gifts/charisms of the

Spirit When we consider Sacred Tradition

THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH

The sanctification of our souls and personal holiness is attributed to the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is present in the gift of the theological virtues which encourage us to live a life of holiness.

GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Supernatural habits that are infused into the soul

There are SEVEN: Wisdom-the ability to judge experiences/events Understanding-helps us perceive Revelation Counsel-enables us to choose the will of God Fortitude-Strength of character Knowledge-enables us to use created things

wisely Piety-teaches us the meaning of being children of

God Fear of the Lord-Sovereign respect or awe of

God’s presence

FRUITS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Supernatural works flowing from Christian life

There are TWELVE: Love Joy Peace Patience Kindness Generosity

Faithfulness Gentleness Self-control Modesty Chastity Goodness

THE CHARISMATIC GIFTS

A charism is a specific gift or grace of the Holy Spirit that directly or indirectly benefits the Church

Charisms of the Holy Spirit that have been with the Church since apostolic times

Gifts of healing, prophecy, interpretation of prophecy, the ability to speak in tongues (languages), teaching, and leadership

The higher gifts to be sought out are the Theological Virtues: faith, hope, and charity (love)