Theological Foundations new file

100 Theological Foundations 2. The Work of the Holy Spirit in Human Life a) The Presence of the Holy Spirit The Spirit as Comforter sent by Christ and present in the soul of a Christian fulfills a manifold role in his spiritual life. Father Papczynski sees His work moving in three directions. First, the Spirit ignites, stim- ulates and animates. Then, He consoles, cheers up and uplifts those who are disheartened. Finally, He admonishes, warns, and reprimands the disobedient and calls the sinners to reflection and conversion. 9 The work of the Holy Spirit is an expression of the great care with which He surrounds man as He shares Himself with man. The people who are aware of this care and goodness are capable of loving the good God even more ardently, and those who are lukewarm, will warm up to what is good and step onto the right path. 10 He enlightens us with his special light, He turns Satan’s dwelling into the house of God, He pro- vides holy inspirations, supports good intentions and works in a soul until He makes it a perfect fruit for the entire Holy Trinity. He leads to the understanding of the true faith, to learning the truth, to the knowl- edge of self and one’s own sins, to the improvement of life. 11 Father Papczynski places a special emphasis on the enlightening role of the Holy Spirit in the process of spiritual transformation. As He was sending the Apostles to evangelize the world, Christ promised to send them the Spirit of Truth who will teach them everything (cf. J 16, 13). He will be their teacher, protector and helper. Because of Him they will know what they are to proclaim to the nations, how to bring them to the worship of the true God, how to resist their tricks and avoid their ambushes, how to bear persecutions and accept even death. 12 This promise was fulfilled in the life of the Apostles. Filled with the Holy Spirit, “they began to speak in other tongues” (Acts 2, 4). The knowl- edge of languages, the ability to interpret writings and understand mys- teries, the ability to recognize the signs of future events — are all the results of the work of the Holy Spirit and His gifts. These are gifts that oblige. They disappear quickly and bring little benefit to our salvation if they are not supported by gratitude, if they are not guarded by humility,