Sermon of the Feast Liturgy of the Descent of the Holy Spirit about the Power of the Holy Spirit

Summary of the Sermon

This sermon by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about the power of the work of the Holy Spirit in the Church and in the life of believers, explaining that the whole Church stands upon the work of the Holy Spirit and not upon human effort alone. He confirms that the Feast of Pentecost is one of the greatest feasts of the Church because it declares the presence of the Holy Spirit working in the sacraments, ministry, and faith. 

The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Sacraments

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the Holy Spirit is the One who gives birth to the person in baptism, sanctifies him in the sacrament of the Chrism, grants him the forgiveness of sins in the sacrament of repentance and confession, and is also the worker in the Eucharist, priesthood, marriage, and unction of the sick. Therefore, the Church sacraments are not human works, but the work of God in man through the Holy Spirit. 

The Holy Spirit and Good Works

The sermon emphasizes that every good deed done by a person is the fruit of the partnership of the Holy Spirit with him, because man without God cannot do anything good. It also explains that faith itself is a gift from the Holy Spirit, as well as love, peace, gentleness, and all the fruits of the Spirit. 

The Holy Spirit in Ministry and Preaching

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about how the Holy Spirit leads the servants and gives them power and words in preaching and teaching. He is the One who chooses the servants and guides the Church in its decisions and ministry. He also explains that priesthood itself is the work of the Holy Spirit in people consecrated for ministry. 

The Holy Spirit Works in Quietness

The sermon confirms that the work of the Holy Spirit is done with a spirit of calmness and meekness, not with shouting, disturbance, or outward appearances. The Holy Spirit works in hearts and in the holy sacraments with peace and quietness, because “the meek and quiet spirit is very precious before God.” 

The Call to Serve the Villages

At the end of the sermon, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III encourages the new servants to care for serving the villages and the simple people, confirming that the villages are in need of ministry and spiritual care, and that the work there is fruitful and blessed because of the simplicity of the people and the purity of their hearts. 

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