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Tradition, the liturgy of the Church, and Sacred Scripture itself have given the Holy Spirit many names. He is called the Paraclete Spirit, Creator Spirit, Spirit of Christ, Comforting Spirit, Spirit of Truth, Virtue of the Most High, Advocate, Finger of God, Guest of the Soul, Seal, Union, Link, Bond, Kiss, Living Fountain, Fire, Spiritual Anointing, Most Beatific Light, Father of the Poor, Giver of Gifts, Light of Hearts, and so on.
Let us briefly examine the foundations of these names appropriate to the Holy Spirit.
1. Paraclete Spirit. Jesus Christ Himself uses this expression alluding to the Holy Spirit (see John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7). Some translate it by the word Teacher, because Christ Himself says a little later that “he will teach you all things” (John 14:26). Others translate by Comforter, because He will prevent the apostles from feeling orphaned by the gentleness of His consolation (see John 14:18). Others translate the word Paraclete by Advocate, who will plead for us, in the words of St. Paul, “with sighs too deep for words” (Rom. 8:26).
2. Creator Spirit. “The Holy Spirit,” says St. Thomas, “is the principle of creation.” The reason is that God creates things out of love, and love in God is the Holy Spirit. That is why the psalm says: “When thou sendest forth thy Spirit, they are created” (Ps. 103:30).
Continued below.
spiritualdirection.com
Let us briefly examine the foundations of these names appropriate to the Holy Spirit.
1. Paraclete Spirit. Jesus Christ Himself uses this expression alluding to the Holy Spirit (see John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7). Some translate it by the word Teacher, because Christ Himself says a little later that “he will teach you all things” (John 14:26). Others translate by Comforter, because He will prevent the apostles from feeling orphaned by the gentleness of His consolation (see John 14:18). Others translate the word Paraclete by Advocate, who will plead for us, in the words of St. Paul, “with sighs too deep for words” (Rom. 8:26).
2. Creator Spirit. “The Holy Spirit,” says St. Thomas, “is the principle of creation.” The reason is that God creates things out of love, and love in God is the Holy Spirit. That is why the psalm says: “When thou sendest forth thy Spirit, they are created” (Ps. 103:30).
Continued below.
The Appropriate Names of the Holy Spirit
These are the principal names that Sacred Scripture, Tradition, and the liturgy of the Church appropriate to the Holy Spirit.
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