The titles given to the Holy Spirit must surely stir the soul
of anyone who hears them, and make him realize that they speak of nothing
less than the supreme Being. Is he not called the Spirit of God, the Spirit
of truth who proceeds from the Father, the steadfast Spirit, the guiding
Spirit? But his principal and most personal title is the Holy Spirit.
To the Spirit all creatures turn in their need for sanctification; all
living things seek him according to their ability. His breath empowers
each to achieve its own natural end.
The Spirit is the source of holiness, a spiritual light, and he offers
his own light to every mind to help it in its search for truth. By nature
the Spirit is beyond the reach of our mind, but we can know him by his
goodness. The power of the Spirit fills the whole universe, but he gives
himself only to those who are worthy, acting in each according to the measure
of his faith.
Simple in himself, the Spirit is manifold in his mighty works. The whole
of his being is present to each individual; the whole of his being is present
everywhere. Though shared in by many, he remains unchanged; his self-giving
is no los's to himself. Like the sunshine, which permeates all the atmosphere,
spreading over land and sea, and yet is enjoyed by each person as though
it were for him alone, so the Spirit pours forth his grace in full measure,
sufficient for all, and yet is present as though exclusively to everyone
who can receive him. To all creatures that share in him he gives a delight
limited only by their own nature, not by his ability to give.
The Spirit raises our hearts to heaven, guides the steps of the weak,
and brings to perfection those who are making progress. He enlightens those
who have been cleansed from every stain of sin and makes them spiritual
by communion with himself.
As clear, transparent substances become very bright when sunlight falls
on them and shine with a new radiance, so also souls in whom the Spirit
dwells, and who are enlightened by the Spirit, become spiritual themselves
and a source of grace for others.
From the Spirit comes foreknowledge of the future, under- standing of
the mysteries of faith, insight into the hidden meaning of Scripture, and
other special gifts. Through the Spirit we become citizens of heaven, we
are admitted to the company of the angels, we enter into eternal happiness
and abide in God. Through the Spirit we acquire a likeness to God; indeed,
we attain what is beyond our most sublime aspirations-we become God.
