Place of the Holy Spirit

[Godlovestrength]

I have often read where many say that “only the Catholic church can discern whether something is of God or not”?

I wonder then how the Holy Spirit is to speak into the spirit of God in all and everyone of us, to lead or to give us the words to be said at a certain time ( Jesus said not to worry about the words to speak the holy Spirit will speak through you)?
How are we to understand the Holy Spirit with “only the catholic church can discern”

Godbless

 

[PhilotheaZ]

We do indeed individually ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. But sometimes it is difficult to know whether our “inspirations” are from the Holy Spirit, from ourselves, or from the devil. That is why we should use the Church as a guide in discerning these things.

It is important to be well educated in the official teachings of the Catholic Church. We have assurance that the Church does not make mistakes in matters of faith and morals. When we think that the Holy Spirit is moving us to believe something or do something, we should use the teachings of the Church as a “measuring stick.” If our “inspiration” in any way conflicts with the teachings of the Church, then the “inspiration” is not from God.

 

[puzzleannie]

I I wonder then how the Holy Spirit is to speak into the spirit of God in all and everyone of us, to lead or to give us the words to be said at a certain time ( Jesus said not to worry about the words to speak the holy Spirit will speak through you)?

Jesus was giving specific instruction to those he ordained to teach, govern and sanctify the Church in his name, and in the same discourse promised to send The Holy Spirit to guide and protect the Church in those offices. Through the gifts of the Holy Spirit received and strengthened at baptism and Confirmation, Catholics are indeed given wisdom, understanding, knowledge etc. to exercise primarily for their own spiritual growth and benefit, and when necessary in carrying out their baptismal commitment to evangelize others. They also receive the charismatic gifts, for building up the Church, necessary for their vocation in life through Confirmation, and through the sacraments of vocation. They receive whatever gifts are essential to the work for which God has called them. Vocation as well is discerned through guidance of the Church, so are the gifts attending them. No where in the NT is there evidence of anyone properly exercising any of the gifts of the Holy Spirit independent of the Church, and those who attempt it, like Simon Magus, are condemned, or like those who receive the spirit w/o baptism or vice versa, are speedily brought into conformity and unity with the Church.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

I have often read where many say that “only the Catholic church can discern whether something is of God or not”?

I wonder then how the Holy Spirit is to speak into the spirit of God in all and everyone of us, to lead or to give us the words to be said at a certain time ( Jesus said not to worry about the words to speak the holy Spirit will speak through you)?
How are we to understand the Holy Spirit with “only the catholic church can discern”

Godbless

There is a difference in revelation that is given privately for your own edification, and revelation that you are being given in order to be made public. The later, the Church must discern.

As an example, when the Blessed Mother first appeared to St. Bernadette, she kept it to herself for the most part. She did tell her sister and her sister’s friend. At this point, the church need not be concerned. However, eventually the Blessed Mother instructed her, to make her appearance known. Then it because the obligation of the Church to get involved, and discern the apparitions and the messages coming from them. Of course, the apparitions to St. Bernadette at Lourdes, were approved by the Church.

The Holy Spirit dwells in each and everyone of us. It is to Him, that we turn for guidance and understanding, and He does provide, as Jesus promised. But this is on the personal level. If is for our own spiritual growth, not for public revelation.

Jim

 

[Godlovestrength]

We do indeed individually ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. But sometimes it is difficult to know whether our “inspirations” are from the Holy Spirit, from ourselves, or from the devil. That is why we should use the Church as a guide in discerning these things.

It is important to be well educated in the official teachings of the Catholic Church. We have assurance that the Church does not make mistakes in matters of faith and morals. When we think that the Holy Spirit is moving us to believe something or do something, we should use the teachings of the Church as a “measuring stick.” If our “inspiration” in any way conflicts with the teachings of the Church, then the “inspiration” is not from God.

Thank you for your words of encouragement that give me a feeling of warmth and joy. I believe what you have said and really wonder how some others relate since at times I have thought that some answers I have had seem to signify that “only the church dignatories” could discern.
However I believe that what ou have all writen would give many others better understanding of the true situation regarding the Holy Spirit.

Thanks Godbless

 

[Godlovestrength]

Jesus was giving specific instruction to those he ordained to teach, govern and sanctify the Church in his name, and in the same discourse promised to send The Holy Spirit to guide and protect the Church in those offices. Through the gifts of the Holy Spirit received and strengthened at baptism and Confirmation, Catholics are indeed given wisdom, understanding, knowledge etc. to exercise primarily for their own spiritual growth and benefit, and when necessary in carrying out their baptismal commitment to evangelize others. They also receive the charismatic gifts, for building up the Church, necessary for their vocation in life through Confirmation, and through the sacraments of vocation. They receive whatever gifts are essential to the work for which God has called them. Vocation as well is discerned through guidance of the Church, so are the gifts attending them. No where in the NT is there evidence of anyone properly exercising any of the gifts of the Holy Spirit independent of the Church, and those who attempt it, like Simon Magus, are condemned, or like those who receive the spirit w/o baptism or vice versa, are speedily brought into conformity and unity with the Church.

Yes that has common understanding that there must be guidance and protection of the church (the people) and I must agree that there are many who say that they are gifted but are not under the guidance of a church at all. I must admit that your point of not NOT having firstly the baptism as a gateway to gifts is a good point. Never thought of that before.
Thanks
Godbless

 

[Godlovestrength]

There is a difference in revelation that is given privately for your own edification, and revelation that you are being given in order to be made public. The later, the Church must discern.

As an example, when the Blessed Mother first appeared to St. Bernadette, she kept it to herself for the most part. She did tell her sister and her sister’s friend. At this point, the church need not be concerned. However, eventually the Blessed Mother instructed her, to make her appearance known. Then it because the obligation of the Church to get involved, and discern the apparitions and the messages coming from them. Of course, the apparitions to St. Bernadette at Lourdes, were approved by the Church.

The Holy Spirit dwells in each and everyone of us. It is to Him, that we turn for guidance and understanding, and He does provide, as Jesus promised. But this is on the personal level. If is for our own spiritual growth, not for public revelation.

Jim

Thank you Jim, I wonder why God allows some people to go so long without having the authority of the church take note and to guide them.
I agree with your point of personal growth not public and have been there where the timing of our Lord seems so long comming. I have asked Him why He didn’t give me guidance at times, but I can only put it down to God’s time is God’s time.

Godbless.