In my studies of the Holy Spirit, I have considered many traditions within the Christian Church. Some of the writings that I have gravitated towards are from the Eastern Church. Gennadios Limouris, writes, this gift of the Holy Spirit surpasing all intelligence of God’s loving kindness toward those who have put on Christ, makes them useful vessels of the Word, children of light, and participators in the divine nature. This gift of the Spirit empowers us, makes us useful, and allows us to be children of light.
These words in themselves describe the Holy moving in our lives. To sense the presence of God working in us and radiating through us out into our world, is truly a gift to us. As Limouris continues to write about the Spirit, he confirms the role that the Spirit plays in the sanctification of the whole of Humankind. Again the Spirit at work in us to change us and to conform us to the Holy.
In my own experience, the Spirit of God has certainly been doing a work in my life, though it seems to be varied over time. Just saying this, though I believe, is perhaps more of a reflection of my awareness of the Spirit than the actual experience. In our lives there are many times when the Spirit is at work moving us toward God. To stop and to notice the different expressions of that work in our discussions with others, or during worship within our Church communities is amazing. To see tears shed, or to have struggles shared within the Body, all point to the movement and sanctifying work of the Spirit in our lives. In our times of prayer both individually or communal, or through the affirmations of others, we also perceive a sense of the Holy.
Certainly the Holy Spirit works in us and through us, how have you noticed this work in yourselves, others, or in the world?
PIcture: Rublevs’ Trinity
Quote: Gennadios Limouris, The Sanctifying Grace of the Holy Spirit. in Gennadios Limouris, ed. Come Holy Spirit, Renew the Whole Creation: An Orthodox Approach for the Seventh Assembly of the World Council of Churches, Canberra, Australia.
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