It’s hard enough to understand how Jesus is in the Father and the Father is in Him. The Holy Spirit can feel even more difficult to understand. Yet as we grow closer to God, we begin to recognize the Spirit’s presence and work more clearly.
Jesus says that the Father will give us an Advocate to remain with us forever. He calls this Advocate the Spirit of Truth. We need guidance to navigate this chaotic world, and the Holy Spirit provides that guidance.
Most of us have experienced moments when we sensed deep within that something was true. We have also recognized when something felt wrong or false. The Holy Spirit acts as our inner guide, leading us toward God. Just as a compass points north, the Spirit of Truth points us toward God.
Have you ever read Scripture and suddenly had a passage come alive or make perfect sense? That is the Spirit leading you. I have often experienced the Holy Spirit working through priests during their homilies. A priest would say something profound, and it felt as though he had hit a home run. My spirit wanted to clap and cheer for the truth I was hearing.
The Holy Spirit also helps us discover and develop our talents and gifts. Each of us has unique abilities, but the Holy Spirit strengthens those gifts and directs them toward a greater purpose. We can use our talents for ourselves, and there can be good in that. Yet the rewards become unimaginable when we use them to draw ourselves and others closer to God and eternal happiness.
Jesus does not leave us orphaned or abandoned after His Ascension into Heaven. He gives us the Holy Spirit to remain with us and lead us home. We can welcome the Holy Spirit into our lives or reject His guidance. We can live only for success in this world, or we can live for the next. No matter how successful we become, every one of us will eventually face death. But if we find our way home to our Father, we will live forever in complete joy and fulfillment.
Come, Holy Spirit, come!
And from your celestial home
Shed a ray of light divine!
