“For with Thee is the Fountain of Life; and in thy Light we shall see Light (Psalm 36:9).”

In Thee We See the Light. . . . © SalveMaterDei.com, 2012. GC photographer

It is impossible to wrap our mere human minds around the notion of the Holy Spirit. The Love that is the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity is conceptually so vast that it cannot be contained by mortal understanding. Our fallen nature cannot begin to sound the depths of Love personified in the Holy Spirit. Thus, God has chosen certain symbols to augment our understanding.

I Saw the Spirit as a Dove. . . © SalveMaterDei.com, 2012. KJ photographer

Often we view the Holy Spirit as a dove. Scripture itself relates John the Baptist as stating: “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain on Him (John 1:33).” This symbol seems to convey the transcendent peace of the Holy Spirit, and His role in creation itself. God is above and beyond the limits of human frailty; time and space cannot contain Him, nor can conflict and discord shape His existence. God’s transcendent peace and beauty surpass the limits of our temporal world.

A Mighty Wind Swept Over the Water. . . © SalveMaterDei.com, 2012. photpgrapher EA

The presence of God the Holy Spirit is often communicated through symbols of water and wind. For example, Genesis 1:2 manifests this concept with: “a mighty wind swept over the waters.” The waters of Baptism refresh and cleanse, bringing new life to the soul. It is only through the action of the Holy Spirit that we may respond to our Baptismal grace and live lives pleasing to God. The waters of Baptism remove the stain of Original Sign, and with the grace of the Holy Spirit, sanctify our souls.

Our Lord Himself stated:

“The waters that I will give Him will become a fountain of water springing up into life everlasting (John 4:14).”

Enkindle in Us the Fire of Your Love…© SalveMaterDei.com, 2012. EA photographer

One of the most enduring symbols of the Holy Spirit is that of light. Light transcends darkness. One beam of light dispels the shadows and brings clarity to what otherwise would remain unintelligible. Light transforms; bringing shape and form to objects that lack dimension and substance if left in the dark. Light erases the obscurities that darkness tends to cloak. When the Holy Spirit brings light into a human soul, the shadow of sin and despair takes flight.

“The Light of Thy countenance, O Lord, is signed upon us; Thou has given gladness in my heart (Psalm 4:7).”

Today as we continue day four of our Novena to the Holy Spirit in Preparation for Pentecost, let us pray for the Light of the Spirit to penetrate us, sounding the depths of our frail humanity and transcending it with the very Love of God.

This novena to the Holy Spirit is currently prayed each day after Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians at Holy Hill.

Each day the Preparatory prayer is:

O Holy Spirit, Divine Consoler!

I adore You as my Triune God.

I bless You by uniting myself to the praises You receive from the angels and saints.

I offer You my whole heart, and I render You heartfelt thanks for all the benefits You have bestowed and unceasingly bestow upon the world. You are the author of all supernatural gifts and Who did enrich with immense favors the soul of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, I beseech You to visit me by Your Grace and Your Love, and grant me the favor I so earnestly seek in this novena. . . .(state your request here). O Holy Spirit, Spirit of all Truth, come into our hearts: shed the brightness of your light on all nations, that they may be of one faith and pleasing to You. Amen.

Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Your Love.

(Recite the prayer of the appropriate day)

Let Your Light Shine Upon Us . . .SalveMaterDei.com, 2012. GM photographer

Day Four

O God, Who today by the Light of the Holy Spirit did instruct the hearts of the faithful, give us, by the Light of the Same Holy Spirit, a love for what is right and just, and a constant enjoyment of His comforts. Pray Holy Spirit, that I may strive to learn more of my faith; that I may be ever more conscious that reason in all its human magnificence is capable of grasping but a glimpse of the reality that is God. Pray that I may accept a the motto of my life: “All for the greater glory of God,” and grant me the favor I so earnestly seek in this novena. . .(state your request here). . .Amen.

Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Your Love.

May the Holy Spirit give you His Light and His peace!

Blessings,

Ad Jesum per Mariam,

M.A. J.M.J.