2 Corinthians 3:17-18
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into His likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
One question that bugged early Christians was whether it was proper to worship the Holy Spirit. He is, so to speak, the quietest Person of the Trinity, always at work somewhere “within” or just at the corner of our eye. Christian imagery has never given us an easy and obvious picture to grasp like those of the Father or the Son. It’s hard to tell from the biblical imagery (wind, fire, water, the occasional dove) whether the Spirit is even a person. Early Church Fathers wrestled with the question of whether He was a mere “force” or some other impersonal thing, but were always constrained (by verses like today’s verses) from giving in to mere picture-thinking. The Lord, says St. Paul, is the Spirit. Moreover, the Spirit is a “who” not a “what.” And since the Lord is to be worshipped, the Lord who is the Spirit is to be worshipped. Today, worship the Holy Spirit.
By Mark Shea
Mark P. Shea is a Catholic author, blogger, and speaker.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO OUR READERS
Catholic Exchange is free—but it is not free to produce. Advertising revenue covers only a fraction of the cost to generate reliably Catholic commentary and news, inspiring videos, a selection of the best Catholic blogs, and daily meditations and prayers.
To give us the strength and stability we need, Catholic Exchange is turning to you—our loyal reader—and asking you to become a monthly contributor.
Whether you can give $5 or $25, $50 or $100 each month, please leave something behind so we can continue—and strengthen—this important apostolate.
We are deeply grateful for one-time gifts, but we encourage you to choose “Monthly” on the drop-down menu. Your support will ensure that Catholic Exchange will be here during this most critical moment for the Church and America.
