GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
The 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
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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.
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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
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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 Greekspeaking Eastern Churches.
 Due to the Filioque question, concerns about
papal primacy, and other cultural differences, the
Great Schism occurred in 1054.
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THE MISSION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
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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
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Enables up to perceive God
 Helps us see ourselves as God’s children
 Directs us towards Jesus
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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
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EIGHT SIMPLE WAYS…
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The Spirit is active in the Church today (CCC)
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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.
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GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Supernatural habits that are infused into the
soul
 There are SEVEN:
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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:
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Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Generosity
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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)
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