Theological Foundations new file

109 The Role of the Holy Spirit Another thing which the author considers to be very important in our preparation to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit is avoiding spiritual distraction. The people who are striving after perfection should be always aware of what is happening in their hearts and minds and what kind of spirit has power over them. However, they do not pay sufficient attention to what the Spirit of God demands of them and to things that are necessary to respond to His inspirations. On the outside His voice is drowned by the world, inside — by confusion and a tumult of passions. The Holy Spirit, who wants to visit man, is pushed away by all this. He comes bringing light, advice, encouragement, inspirations to do good, but people pay no attention to Him. Therefore St. Paul admonishes: “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God” (Eph 4, 30). 36 We obtain the gifts of the Holy Spirit by means of certain signs estab- lished by Christ Jesus, i.e., by the holy sacraments. These signs work infallibly and effectively, albeit according to the disposition of each indi- vidual person, who should not impede the work of these sacraments. In his arguments, Father Matulaitis-Matulewicz uses a convincing analogy. Just as wet wood does not catch fire, and the green and fresh wood burns slowly; just as the growth of a seed thrown into the soil depends on how moist the soil is, similarly, the sanctifying grace works more effectively if the soul is better prepared to receive this grace and allows it to pene- trate deeper. Here lies the secret behind the weak effect of the sacra- ments. Their effectiveness depends on faith, hope, humility and trust of the person receiving them. The effectiveness of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, in particular, depends on the spirit of penance and repen- tance, and that of the Holy Eucharist — on love and purity of heart. The saints loathed even the smallest evil and fought it out of their love of God. St. Mary Magdalene, St. Peter and other saints can serve as good examples. 37 We also obtain the gifts of the Holy Spirit simply out of the Holy Spirit’s will and liking. He supports us with His grace which enlightens, stimulates and accompanies us in practicing virtues. He dispenses His graces to whom He wants, He may give many or a few of them, accord-