8 Ways The Catholic Church Teaches Us To Get To Know The Holy Spirit
Oftentimes, when people think about the Holy Spirit, images like the dove or a flame we learned about in Sunday School come to mind. These are powerful symbols, but they don’t give us a full idea of who the Holy Spirit is. So how do we actually get to know the Holy Spirit as a person of the Trinity? Here are eight ways the Church teaches that we can encounter the Holy Spirit in our everyday lives.
8 Ways The Church Teaches Us To Get To Know The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is not a “what”; He’s a “who.” The third person of the Holy Trinity. We hear in the Nicene Creed that the Holy Spirit “proceeds from the Father and the Son.” This statement, also known as the Filioque, has been a major source of controversy throughout Christian history. This doesn’t mean, however, that the Father and the Son created the Holy Spirit. Instead, when the Creed says the Spirit “proceeds,” it does not suggest that the Holy Spirit was created by the Father and the Son. Rather, it affirms that he is a distinct divine Person who eternally proceeds from them, sharing fully in the one divine nature.
We also know that the Holy Spirit is the eternal love between the Father and the Son. Romans 5:5 reads, “God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
So how do we cultivate an actual relationship with the Holy Spirit? Thankfully, the Church gives us a clear guide.
The Catechism (paragraph 688) says:
“The Church, a communion living in the faith of the apostles which she transmits, is the place where we know the Holy Spirit:” and goes on to explain that we can come to know the Spirit in the following ways:
“in the Scriptures he inspired”
Pray a prayer to the Holy Spirit before reading and ask Him to enlighten your heart and mind to receive what the Lord wants to reveal. Many people use the following: “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth. Let us pray. O God, who have taught the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant that in the same Spirit we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in his consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
“in the Tradition, to which the Church Fathers are always timely witnesses”
The Church Fathers, many of whom were priests and Bishops, were filled with the Holy Spirit by the nature of their Baptism and Confirmation, if not Holy Orders. This is not to say that their writings are inspired as the Scriptures are, but rather that we can ask the Spirit to guide us as we study the writings of the Saints and the teachings passed on from the beginning of the Church.
“in the Church’s Magisterium, which he assists”
The Spirit protects the Church from error in matters of faith and doctrine. Again, this is not saying that each member of the Magisterium is perfect- but rather, that the Holy Spirit is guiding the Magisterium as a whole to keep them from teaching error (Matthew 16:18). In our own lives, we can ask the Holy Spirit’s help when reading the Catechism: the teachings of the Magisterium of the Church.
“in the sacramental liturgy, through its words and symbols, in which the Holy Spirit puts us into communion with Christ”
Each time you attend Mass, confession, or receive another Sacrament, the Spirit stirs your soul, bringing you into communion with Christ.
Baptism is referred to as “the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua)” (CCC 1213). In the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, He makes the mystery of the Holy Eucharist present (CCC 1104). In Confession, the priest, by virtue of the Sacrament of Holy Orders, has the authority to forgive sins “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” At Confirmation, the Holy Spirit is poured out on each of us just like the Apostles at Pentecost. The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony must be celebrated by a Bishop, Priest, or Deacon (Code of Canon Law 1108), all of whom have received their Holy Orders through the power of the Holy Spirit guiding the Magisterium of the Church. In the Sacrament of Holy Orders, it is the Holy Spirit that makes it possible for the man being ordained to confer the Sacraments. In the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, one of the effects of the Sacrament is “strengthening, peace and courage to overcome the difficulties that go with the condition of serious illness or the frailty of old age. This grace is a gift of the Holy Spirit…” (CCC 1520). The Sacraments aren’t rituals, but means by which the Holy Spirit sanctifies us.
“in prayer, wherein he intercedes for us”
We never pray alone! The Spirit prays and intercedes for us constantly. “In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings” (Romans 8:26). When you begin a time of prayer, invite Him to pray with you. Even without words, say, “Come, Holy Spirit,” and He will help you to pray and pray on your behalf.
“in the signs of apostolic and missionary life”
When you share the Gospel, the Spirit is present, giving you the words. “When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. For the holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say” (Luke 12: 11-12). Make it a habit to ask the Holy Spirit each morning to speak through you.
“in the witness of saints through whom he manifests his holiness and continues the work of salvation”
The Saints are in full Communion with the Holy Trinity- including the Holy Spirit. They have the fullness of grace, which is the participation in the life of God (CCC 1997).
The Spirit also shows His power through saints who continue God’s work. Ask the Spirit to help you find a saintly friend who intercedes for you, and pray for grace to imitate their virtues.
“in the charisms and ministries by which the Church is built up.”
As a disciple, you have gifts from the Spirit—teaching, healing, prophecy, hospitality, wisdom, and more (see 1 Corinthians 12:1-11). The Catechism says these gifts are special graces, sometimes extraordinary, oriented toward sanctifying grace and the good of the Church (CCC 2003). Ask, “Holy Spirit, how do You want me to use these gifts today?”
In all of these ways, the Holy Spirit is made present to the Church. The Spirit guides, forms, and ministers to Her day after day as Advocate, Comforter, Counselor, and Healer, always at work in the lives of the Beloved of Christ.
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