What Is The Holy Spirit About: Teachings of the Catholic Church Seven Sacraments: Fruits and Gifts

Since God is omnipotent and all-powerful, He is more complex than humans can understand. Catholics recognize three parts of God; God the Father the God-head, Jesus His son, and the Holy Spirit. All three of these "God parts" make up what Catholics refer to as the “Holy Trinity".

I would like to point out, however, that many non-Catholic Christians challenge the concept of the Holy Trinity as it is not directly mentioned in the Bible. However, to Catholic believers, believing in the Holy Trinity makes sense! There is no denying that there is God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The best way to explain how all three of these persons represent one God is through the concept of the Holy Trinity.

The Holy Spirit is the essence of God. The Holy Spirit of God is what empowers Christian believers. The Holy Spirit dwells in all Christians who have been baptized in the name of Jesus. When called upon, the Holy Spirit can enlighten, strengthen, and help those who ask for. It is accepted that the authors of the books in the Bible were filled with the Holy Spirit, and therefore, produced the True Word of God.

The Holy Spirit is often shown through symbols. The most common symbols are the white dove, and fire. The dove can represent freedom and beauty, and fire can represent power, strength, and consumption. Since the Holy Spirit is a part of God, it is everywhere. It is in all mankind and can awaken faith. It enables communication with Christ, grants gifts to all, and helps men grow in spiritual freedom. The Holy Spirit reveals God through the written word as a source of inspiration.

The Holy Spirit is regarded as the source of all holiness, and brings about the unity of the church as it directs and supports the church, and the liturgy of the Church. Jesus was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and was born of the Virgin Mary.

Baptism is a new birth in God the Father, through his Son, and in the Holy Spirit. It is impossible to know Jesus without the Spirit. The Holy Spirit awakens us in faith and provides a grace within us. Although the Holy Spirit has always been in existence, it is the last part of the Trinity to be revealed. The Holy Spirit was truly revealed after the resurrection of Christ.

If you are following this article in the series, then you may be aware of the Sacrament of Confirmation as one of the Sacraments of Initiation. Please follow the link to learn more on this subject. In short, Confirmation is like a continuation of baptism. As the candidate making their confirmation is (figuratively) old enough to decide on whether or not they want to continue in the Catholic Faith, becoming confirmed, literally, seals the person with the Holy Spirit.

There are Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. These are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.

There are also Twelve Fruits of the Holy Spirit, which are charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, and chastity. When one becomes confirmed they are sealed with these gifts and fruits.