This week, small groups at Queen of All Saints and Saint Mary Immaculate Conception are gathering to talk about the Holy Spirit! In John 14: 15-27, we hear about the promise of the Holy Spirit. In this passage, we hear a few key verses that can help us begin to understand the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

“If you love me you will keep my commandments. I shall ask the Father, and he will give you another Paraclete to be with you for ever, the Spirit of truth whom the world can never accept since it neither sees nor knows him; but you know him, because he is with you, he is in you. I shall not leave you orphans” (John 14: 15-18).

“Jesus replied: Anyone who loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we shall come to him and make a home in him. Anyone who does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not my own: it is the word of the Father who sent me. I have said these things to you while still with you; but the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all I have said to you. Peace I bequeath to you, my own peace I give you, a peace which the world cannot give, this is my gift to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” (John 14: 23-27).

The Holy Spirit is called the Paraclete. Other common names for the Holy Spirit are Helper, Counselor, Comforter, and Advisor. One of my personal favorite names for the Holy Spirit is “Comforter,” because it reminds me that we are never alone. He will not leave us orphaned. We can always be comforted and supported by Him through difficult times! The Holy Spirit also acts as a Counselor that can help us discern what is right!

On our journey to share our faith with others, it is important that we are nourished and led by the Holy Spirit. What does this mean in a practical sense? This means that when we are trying to evangelize and share our faith with others, we need to be led by prayer. We need to be so filled up with the love of Jesus that it overflows into our conversations with others! It is important to pray alone and with other people! How are we filling ourselves up with the Holy Spirit? How are we sharing our faith with others and forming community with those around us?

Here’s some examples of things you can try to enrich your experience with the Holy Spirit:

• Write in a spiritual journal
• Set aside quiet time every day to listen to the Holy Spirit
• Look for ways that the Holy Spirit is working in the lives of people around you

Check out this video from the Be My Witness small group series! 

Come Holy Spirit - Be My Witness Video