The Holy Spirit

(Plain Text Version)

God: A Community of Persons

God exists as a community of Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Unlike a human group, the members of the Holy Trinity are perfectly united in love and wisdom.  Although each member is distinct, there is no conflict among them.  What one member does, all members do.  What affects one member, affects all members.

The Holy Spirit is the Love of God

St. Thomas Aquinas wrote: “So, just as the Word of God is the Son of God, so the Love of God is the Holy Spirit”. 

St. Paul says that we receive the love of God when we receive the Holy Spirit:

God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:5

The Holy Spirit Existed from Eternity

The Holy Spirit was not created but is perfectly equal with the Father and the Son.  He is to be adored just as the Father and the Son.  When we pray to the Holy Spirit, we pray to the Father and to the Son as well.

We Need the Holy Spirit!

The Holy Spirit comes into our lives when we receive Baptism and Confirmation.  He lives in us and is never distant.  Here are some of the ways He helps us:

1. We receive special gifts which urge us to live a life of faith, hope, and Christian love.

2. He cleanses our souls from sin.  The One who created our souls is the same One who repairs them when they are damaged by sin.

3. The Holy Spirit enlightens our minds, enabling us to remember the truths revealed by Christ. 

The Holy Spirit gives us strength to do what is right, even when we are violently opposed.   

Many thanks to:

Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J., Pocket Catholic Catechism, 1989, Doubleday

Scripture: English Standard Version Catholic Edition, 2017, Good News Publishers