The Holy Spirit
Pope Shenouda III discusses the importance of the Holy Spirit, explaining that He is the Holy Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, the Spirit of Truth, and the Comforter, and that He is the Third Hypostasis in the Holy Trinity and the Hypostasis of Life.
He emphasizes that the work of the Holy Spirit is not limited to the New Testament, but was present and active from the Old Testament, working in the prophets and giving them prophecy, guidance, and strength.
He also explains that the coming of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament was associated with the holy anointing, by which prophets, kings, and priests were anointed, and that the Sacrament of Chrism in the Church is connected with this biblical revelation of the Spirit’s work through anointing.
Spiritual Message
The Pope emphasizes that the Holy Spirit has a fundamental importance in the life of the Church, to the extent that the Lord Christ asked the disciples to wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit before beginning their service and testimony.
The Church in the era of the apostles was strong and successful because it worked through the power of the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit was the One who gave the servants the word, power, and influence upon the hearts of those who heard them.
The Holy Spirit is also the One who calls and sends the servants and guides them on the path of service; therefore, the apostles moved according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and not merely according to their personal will.
Educational Lesson
The Pope explains that the work of the Holy Spirit extends to the Church’s sacraments: in Baptism, the Holy Spirit works in the birth of a person from water and the Spirit, and in the Sacrament of Chrism, the Holy Spirit dwells in the person and makes him a holy temple for Him.
In the Sacrament of Repentance, the Holy Spirit works in granting absolution through the priest; in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, the Holy Spirit works in transforming the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ; and in the Sacrament of Priesthood, He gives the power to administer the holy sacraments and the authority of binding and loosing.
The Holy Spirit also works in the Sacrament of Marriage, joining the two and making them one, and the Pope emphasizes that the grace of the Holy Spirit does not cancel human freedom; therefore, a person can neglect the grace he has received.
Practical Spiritual Application
A servant should realize that preparing for service does not depend only on lessons, information, and knowledge, but above all requires the work of the Spirit of God within him.
When preparing a sermon, the servant should ask the Holy Spirit to give him the appropriate word, because the Holy Spirit does not only give the word, but also gives with it power, influence, and work within the heart of the speaker and the listener.
The Pope also points out that the Holy Spirit is the source of spiritual gifts, such as wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, powers, miracles, tongues, and interpretation, and that these gifts are given according to the will of the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, Christian life and Church service require a true relationship with the Holy Spirit and acceptance of His guidance and work, because the Holy Spirit is the One who guides the Church, appoints her servants, and works in the sacraments, gifts, and hearts.
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