The Holy Spirit

From Servant of God, Isaac Thomas Hecker wrote in his Notes on the Holy Spirit:

The normal state of the Church is when she is led by the Holy Spirit in the peaceful work of the salvation of souls, the conversion of the world and the advancement of Christian civilization. This divine work is interrupted in two ways: through the outside in part by persecutions from the state, or through the inside from individuals by heresies or the luke-warmness of her children or by wicked and designing men It is important to have a clear picture of the normal state and action of the Church. This we can gather from the nature of the church and its aim: the conversion and sanctification of souls through the power of the Holy Spirit.

To the Holy Spirit alone belongs the work of guiding the soul. The great work of God in becoming man was the regeneration of the human race by means of the Holy Spirit. The organ of Its communication to men is the Church. A Christian is one whose soul through the operation of divine grace received through the sacraments of the Church is made a child of God. Through man the restoration of all things, we can aid in this and act wisely and not resist.

Commentary from Father Paul Robichaud, CSP

Servant of God Isaac Hecker writes about the basic connection between the Church and the Holy Spirit. In the Spirit the whole human race is transformed and renewed through the agency of the Church. Conversion begins with baptism and then the renewal in the Spirit continues through participation in the other sacraments. We are called to let our souls cooperate. With the Holy Spirit within our souls.

Reflection questions

• How does your prayer effect you? Do you feel more energized or centered , more calm and focused? Or does your prayer have no effect on your attitudes and feelings?

• Have you ever resisted the promptings of the Holy Spirit Has God called out to you and you have not responded? What was that experience like? Did you regret it?

About this series

Father Paul Robichaud, CSP, is the historian of the Paulist Fathers and postulator of the Cause of Father Hecker. His office is located at the Hecker Center in Washington, D.C.

If you have asked Father Hecker to pray for you or another person who is ill and you believe something miraculous has happened, please phone Father Robichaud at 202-269-2519 or write to [email protected] and tell him your story.