I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

ESPIRITU SANTO

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Holy Trinity. It is the proper name of the one whom we adore and glorify with the Father and the Son. One God who has revealed himself in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The word “Spirit” translates the Hebrew word “Ruah,” which means breath, air, wind. Jesus uses the sensible image of the wind to suggest to Nicodemus the transcendent newness of the one who is personally the Breath of God, the divine Spirit (Jn 3:5-8).

Perhaps the best way to understand the identity and presence of the Holy Spirit is the different comparisons that have been used in the Bible to refer to Him.

Fire. It symbolizes the transforming energy of the acts of the Holy Spirit.

The anointing. The symbolism of the anointing with oil is also significant of the Holy Spirit, to the point that it has become synonymous with him (cf. 1 Jn 2:20, 27; 2 Cor 1:21).

Laying on of hands. By laying on his hands, Jesus heals the sick (cf. Mk 6:5; 8:23) and blesses children (cf. Mk 10:16).

Breath, lungful, air. The Word of God and his breath are at the origin of the being and life of every creature (cf. Ps 33:6; 104:30; Gen 1:2; 2:7; Qo 3:20-21; Ez 37:10).

That is why we believe in the Holy Spirit, Lord and giver of life.

P. Tarcisio C