We recently celebrated Pentecost which is the coming of the Holy Spirit. The church celebrates Pentecost 50 days after the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus. The Holy Spirit is manifested, given and communicated as a Divine Person of the Church, which is the fulfillment of the Paschal Mystery of Christ.
The Holy Spirit is the source of Christian unity, love, energy and the life of our faith. The Spirit continues to be the teacher of the good news of the Church. Our faith is given and continually nurtured by the Holy Spirt. Jesus was returned to his father at Ascension, and the Holy Spirit’s work was put into action. The Spirit works on clarity, understanding, and revelation for our Church. Symbols of the Holy Spirit include:
Water: The source of the Holy Spirit during the sacrament of Baptism and a sign of new life in Christ.
Oil: During the sacrament of Confirmation, the Bishop anoints with oil that conveys the Spirit’s manifestation.
Fire: A sign of the transforming of energy of the Holy Spirit.
Cloud and Light: Represents the transfiguration and Baptism of Jesus. Seal: Illustrates the indelible effect of the anointing with the Spirit. This is why Confirmation is not repeated. The seal is forever and not broken.
Laying on of Hands: A sign of Jesus’ healing and reconciling.
Dove: Confers the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is often depicted as a dove.
There are 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Wisdom
Understanding
Counsel
Fortitude
Knowledge
Piety
Fear of the Lord (Wonder and Awe)
How are you using the gifts of the Holy Spirit?
Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit as a gift. We are sinners, but we are forgiven through reconciliation, and the Holy Spirit restores our life with God. The fruits of the Holy Spirit are:
Charity (Love)
Peace
Joy
Patience
Kindness
Gentleness
Long-suffering
Self-control
Faithfulness
Goodness
Modesty
Chastity
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.