How can you “feel” the Holy Spirit?
In a practical way that is. Not in the Charismatic meaning of it, the gifts and such, but how can I explain the feeling of the HS in one’s life?
I think to experience the Holy Spirit through his action in one’s life is more accurate than to feel, but that is because I am not generally a person who has been granted sensitive feelings or strong emotional response in relation to spiritual things, which is probably why I have not been drawn to charismatic worship, although I acknowedge its power and have seen its good fruits. I have strong interior response on occasion, but not at the emotional level.
Once we realize that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are real, that we possess them, that we can activate them by asking Him, and that he has indeed come upon us with power, we come closer to appreciating his work in our life, in our spiritual growth and in the Church. We experience the evidence of his work, not necessarily his presence, at least that is how it seems to me.
If I ask her, and then my daughter cleans my house while I am out, I see the evidence of her work even though she is not present to me at the moment I return–the cleanliness and order, even the way she vacuums her way out of a room, is characteristic, I know that she and no one else has been here. My perception of the workings of the Holy Spirit is similar.
For instance we formally dedicate our CCD program to the Holy Spirit every year in our first class meetings, and when we pray together as catechists and staff. Our best catechists are those who have learned when to let the Holy Spirit take over. They also are the best prepared and organized, but they perceive when he is leading the students in their questions and discussion, the direction of the lesson, and making himself known as events play out.
For instance a mom who is also an aide told me a story last night of her son, a confirmation candidate, who had the opportunity to help an elderly neighbor. He related how profoundly touched he had been by the wife’s tender care for her disabled husband, even though she herself was frail. long story, but gist is he said he knew the Holy Spirit called him to help the couple and made himself known in this encounter. We know the Holy Spirit by who he is and by how, when and where he works.
though some do. We know He’s working in our lives if there are fruits of the Spirit. Which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, self control, etc. Most of all: love.
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