The Spirit stands with Us (12:00)

Pentecost Sunday. Jesus knows that we need help, so he sends us the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is known as the Paraclete because he stands with us. He defends us as our advocate, He encourages us as our comforter, and He advises us as our counselor. We cannot see the Spirit but we see Him in the effects he works: the one, holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church; Baptism, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the dead, and life everlasting.

We see the Spirit alive and active as men are called forth to be ordained as Deacons and Priests. We see the Spirit active at Mass when we bring forth the bread and wine and the Spirit transforms them into the Body and Blood of Jesus. Perhaps the greatest work of the Holy Spirit is that patiently over time, He can make us holy.

(27 May 2012)