The Spirit & The Bride

The Holy Spirit in the Letters of St. John and Book of Revelation

While John's Gospel is the summit of the revelation of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament, the letters of St. John also provide valuable insight into the work of the Holy Spirit.  Also, Revelation, the last book of the Bible, is an apocalyptic work that focuses on the prophetic inspiration of its author and ends with the symbolism of the Spirit as the river of life-giving water in the heavenly Jerusalem.  The epilogue of the Apocalypse declares: "The Spirit and the Bride say 'Come'... And let him who is thirsty come, let all who desires take the water of life without price" (Rev 22:17).

The Holy Spirit in Hebrews, James, Jude, and 1 and 2 Peter

Although there are not any "new" revelations of the Holy Spirit in these New Testament epistles, they are significant because the Holy Spirit is spoken of in various ways.  Especially in the letters of St. Peter, we see echoes of revelations of the Holy Spirit's work from the writings of St. Paul and the Gospels.

St. Paul's Teaching on the Holy Spirit and Unity, with Reflections from Pope St. John Paul II

The Holy Spirit is the ultimate source of unity in the Church and in the world, being the love within the Trinity and the source of love that binds people together and overcomes sinful divisions.  St. Paul emphasizes the Spirit is the "love of God poured into our hearts" (Rom. 5:5).  He urges all in the Church to "be eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3).  Also highlighted are a 1990 and 1993 catechesis of Pope St. John Paul II on the Holy Spirit and unity, and Vatican II's teaching on the Holy Spirit and the quest for the unity of Christians, or ecumenism.

The Charisms in St. Paul's Writings (Part 2) and in Vatican II

Dr. Alan Schreck explores the gifts of the Holy Spirit, or charisms, in chapter 14 of St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians and in his letters to the Romans (Chapter 12) and Ephesians (Chapter 4).
A reading from St. Hilary of Poitiers reveals the presence and importance of charisms in the 4th century, and teachings from the Second Vatican Council show their importance in the life of the Church today.
Listen to part 1 on the charisms here.
You can also find more The Spirit and The Bride episodes here and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

The Charisms: Gifts of the Holy Spirit in St. Paul's Writings (Part 1)

St. Paul’s image of the Church as the “Body of Christ” provides context for his teaching on the “gifts of the Holy Spirit,” or charisms. Every member of the Body of Christ is given these charisms to build up or edify the Church and to serve with love its mission in the world.
Dr. Schreck talks about St. Paul and his First Letter to the Corinthians, listing some of these charisms, describing their importance, and how they are to be exercised.
Listen to part 2 on the charisms here.
You can also find more The Spirit and The Bride episodes here and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

The Spirit of Holiness in the Letters of St. Paul

After reviewing the work of the Holy Spirit to convict us of sin and to confer God's forgiveness, Dr. Alan Schreck focuses on how, through dwelling in us and in the Church, the Holy Spirit frees us from "the law of sin and death," empowering us to overcome sin and be transformed into new creations in Jesus Christ.
The outward manifestation of this spirit of holiness is living a life of love and service, exhibiting the "fruit of the Spirit" (Gal. 5:22,23).
Listen to more The Spirit and The Bride episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

The Holy Spirit and Prayer in the New Testament

Dr. Alan Schreck reviews the theme of the Holy Spirit and prayer in the life and teachings of Jesus and the Church in the Acts of the Apostles.
He then focuses on St. Paul’s experiences and writings on how the Holy Spirit enables us to pray. He also shares Pope St. John Paul II’s testimony and teachings on this theme.
Listen to more The Spirit and The Bride episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

Holy Spirit as the Guarantee and First Fruits of Eternal Life

In the writings of St. Paul, the Holy Spirit is the “guarantee” and “first fruits” of the life of heaven for those “sealed” with the Holy Spirit in Baptism.
Based on this, Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, who served as the Preacher to the Papal Household, and Pope St. John Paul II explain how the Holy Spirit is the source of Christian hope, which we are called to share with others.
Listen to more The Spirit and The Bride episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.
 

An Intro to the Holy Spirit in St. Paul's Life and Letters

Dr. Alan Schreck reviews how St. Luke, a companion of St. Paul, describes Paul’s experience of the Holy Spirit in the Acts of the Apostles, which is important in understanding how Paul presents the Spirit in his letters.
In those letters, Paul says the Holy Spirit manifests himself in the lives of the baptized in many ways: in moral and spiritual transformation, in prayer, and as a foretaste of the resurrected life.
Listen to more The Spirit and The Bride episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.

The Holy Spirit in the Gospel of John, Ch. 8-20

The climax of the Bible’s revelation of the Holy Spirit as a Divine Person is found in the latter chapters of the Gospel of John.
There, Jesus promises he and the Father will send “another counselor/advocate” to always be with his followers. This “Spirit of Truth” will convict the world of sin, call to mind all that Jesus has taught, and guide the Church into all truth.
Listen to more The Spirit and The Bride episodes and discover other Catholic podcasts, videos, and resources at Faith and Reason.