The Great Translator and Gift of the Holy Spirit

Several years ago I was in a Catholic Church in Lebanon attending Mass. It was beautiful and I could follow it pretty well, but I couldnā€™t understand anything being said. During the homily the priest could have said ā€œyour pants are on fireā€ and I would have looked at him with a blank face. (unless they really were on fire, then I think I would have noticed.)

In these situations, where you donā€™t know the language, you really need an interpreterā€¦ someone who can translate whatā€™s being said into a language you can understand.

The Holy Spirit translates and teaches Godā€™s words ā€¦. so we can understand. Jesus says in John 16:13 that ā€œthe Spirit of truth will guide them into all the truthā€.  St. Paul reminds us of this truth: 

ā€œGodĀ revealsĀ to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.Ā For what person knows a manā€™s thoughts except the spirit of the man which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.Ā Ā Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, that we might understand the gifts bestowed on us by God.ā€

1 Corinthians 2: 10-12

Itā€™s clear in the Old and New Testament that the Holy Spirit communicates the riches of Godā€™s heart to his people. He translates the depths and riches of Godā€™s love to us. 

So where does that leave us?  Well, itā€™s clear that we need the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit helps us to think correctly and then empowers us to act correctly. The Holy Spirit has many titlesā€¦ comforter, helper, advocate, intercessorā€¦ translator.

ā€œCome Holy Spiritā€ā€¦. these words need to always be on our lips. 

When we find ourselves in trouble, ask the Holy Spirit to help. 

When we donā€™t understand whatā€™s going on, let us ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten us. When weā€™re confused or upset or angry or frustrated or depressedā€¦ letā€™s ask the Holy Spirit to help. Holy Spirit, help meā€¦ show me what to do. 

And the good news is that the Holy Spirit will help us. 

Try it and see what happens. You will be pleasantly surprised.Ā 

ā€œCome Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.ā€


This reflection is from Dave Touhill Sr.ā€™sĀ blogposts.

Top image of a man reading the Bible is from Lightstock.com, stock photo ID: 105096. Used with permission. Quote from 1 Corinthians verse 12 added.

1 thought on “The Great Translator and Gift of the Holy Spirit”

  1. I love the Holy Spirit who is always ready and willing to help usā€”like a best friend. We are so privileged to know him. Heā€™s changed my lifešŸ™ŒšŸ»

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