Gospel of John, chapter 1:33

The Holy Spirit is sometimes referred to as the forgotten person of the Holy Trinity. A man once remarked to me humorously, when talking about the Holy Trinity: “I can understand God the Father in the Old Testament; and God the son, in the New Testament; but who is this strange bird they call the Holy Spirit?”

The Holy Spirit is often depicted in paintings, as a beautiful white dove with outstretched wings, hovering over Jesus; over the apostles; and over the universe. But, these creative images do not tell us much about the Holy Spirit. To appreciate the Holy Spirit, we need to read and meditate upon the scriptures.

St. John’s gospel, chapter one, introduces the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry just as the ministry of John the Baptist was ending. John the Baptist makes it very clear in this gospel that his baptism of repentance, which could change outward behavior, was inferior to the baptism of Jesus which could change the person from within. Thus, John the Baptist pointed to Jesus, saying: “He is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.”

The Holy Spirit and Jesus are one, just as Jesus and the Father are one. Before He left this earth, the Lord made sure His followers would not be abandoned or left alone. He gave us the Holy Spirit at Pentecost which he called the Paraclete; the Consoler; and the Spirit of Truth to guide us and lead us into the fullness of truth.

The Holy Spirit is God’s amazing gift to us to help us rise above the limitations of our own human spirit; to help us pray as we ought (St. Paul says: “we cannot pray except through the Holy Spirit.”); and to help us conquer the “works of the flesh”, such as pride, greed, lust, gluttony, jealousy, anger and sloth. 

I’m reminded of a conversation between a young Hindu apprentice and a Catholic seminarian. These two enthusiastic students were discussing the merits of their respective faiths. The Catholic pointed out how his faith in Christ and in the good news of the gospel was able to change the fallen condition of human nature from within; and he proceeded to explain how the eight beatitudes could conquer those attitudes of fallen man (such as pride and greed) that lead to sin. Upon hearing this, the Hindu remarked: “It appears to me that such a change in human behavior would only be possible if you received a new spirit.”

The insight of the Hindu student was correct. The Holy Spirit is given to us to renew the human spirit, so that we can pray as Christ shows us; so that we can think as Christ enables us; so that we can see each other as Christ sees us; so that we can be renewed spiritually to avoid evil and walk freely in the footsteps of the Lord. This is the baptism of Jesus who makes all things new because He renews us from within through the Holy Spirit.

You may find it helpful to read or re-read my other blogs dealing with the Holy Spirit.

Come Holy Spirit, kindle within us the fire of your love!

Fr. Hugh Duffy