THE HOLY SPIRIT | BY OMETA MARCELENIUS M. KOSI.

Introduction 

A week tomorrow we started novena to the Holy Spirit expecting to be renew or revive with it this Sunday being Pentecost Sunday.

We rarely talk about the Holy Spirit or pray to the Holy Spirit unless we are in the Pentecost week like we are now and after Pentecost Sunday no more till next year except some of the priest or charismatic group who devoted themselves to the Holy Spirit. We have votive mass of the Holy Spirit though but our priests rarely says it, I don't know about your parish or priest.

Who is the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity in Christian theology, along with God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son. He is often referred to as the Comforter, Counselor, Friend or Advocate.

The Person or identity of the Holy Spirit remains mysterious, thereby difficult to understand. In the Bible, many symbols and images are used to describe the Holy Spirit which are as follows: wind, fire, cloud, water, oil, breath and light. All these explains why some think of the Holy Spirit as a powerful influence available for our use at various occasions, or a power we plug into when we are in need or more still, a power we invoke against our enemies. For example, "Holy Ghost...! Fire!" has become a popular slogan used to destroy one's enemies. But the Holy Spirit is not a mere power and not a negative force or weapon to destroy our enemies rather the Holy Spirit enkindle in us the fire of love.

In the Credo we do recite every Sunday in mass we pray, " I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets " showing that the Holy Spirit has an identity, he is a person like the Father and the Son. Like them He is worshipped and glorified.

Here are some key aspects of the Holy Spirit:

Divine Nature: The Holy Spirit is fully God, sharing the same essence and attributes as the Father and Son.

Roles: He convicts people of sin, regenerates believers, and empowers them to live a godly life. He also guides, teaches, and comforts Christians.

Gifts: The Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts to believers, such as speaking in tongues, healing, and prophecy (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).

Fruits: He produces fruit in believers' lives, including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, and humility (Galatians 5:22-23).

Baptism: The Holy Spirit baptizes believers into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13).

Sealing: He seals believers, guaranteeing their salvation and eternal life (Ephesians 1:13-14).

Intercession: The Holy Spirit intercedes on behalf of believers, praying to the Father (Romans 8:26-27).

Omniscience: The Holy Spirit has complete knowledge and understanding, guiding believers in truth (John 16:13).

Omnipresence: He is present everywhere, convicting and comforting people across the world.

Eternal: The Holy Spirit has always existed and will always exist, being an integral part of the Trinity.

In Christian belief, the Holy Spirit plays a vital role in the life of a believer, enabling them to live a life pleasing to God and empowering them for service and witness.

In conclusion, I will like to end with the summary of Most. Rev. Dr. Valerian Okeke Archbishop of Onitsha on his Pastoral Letter 2022, titled: The Holy Spirit Mans Helper and Friend. "There is no human on earth whose friendship can compare with that of the Holy Spirit. He understands us, He is the Spirit of God who knows and sees every part of us. He is a faithful friend who loves us in spite of our inadequacies. He looks at us in the light of the blood of Jesus. He knows who we are as the redeemed children of God. He therefore defends us as our advocate, gives us his gifts and sustains us with His fruits".

Thank you all for having me here this night.

May the Holy Spirit flourish us with His gifts and sustains us with His fruits in abundance. Amen Blissful night rest brethren.