Hi all, I have a question on the Holy Spirit, I am as stated previously a revert, I spent years in a Chariamatic Anglican church after being an athiest for a while, and then, spent a period in an non denmination chariasmatic chuch which was alot heavier on the Holy Spirit healing side of things.
I have questions on the Holy Spirit as even though I am a revert it was my childhood teens I was last a Catholic. I was wondering how is the Holy Spirit percived, doies he give us senses and feelings etc ? I am wondering as sometimes I feel a sense on me or a feeling whether good or bad something might happen, or I shouldn’t do such and such. When I was in the previous churches something didn’t feel right and every time I passed a catholic church, I had this feeling saying ‘Come Home’. When I did my first confession when comeing back, I felt like a massive fire almost like the Holy Spirit had risen back in me.
Welcome, welcome Home! The Joy that is springing forth from my heart and soul for you is immeasurable! I believe the Holy Spirit did bring you Home!
Let me tell you a little about my experiences with the Holy Spirit (or lack thereof).
I was confirmed at age 14; I didn’t feel any different, not like I expected, hoped and believed I would. I didn’t ‘feel’ it. Little did I know that sometimes, the Holy Spirit is working when we least ‘feel’ it. I chose St. Dymphna as my confirmation saint; I thought I was choosing her because of her unusual and beautiful name, and it was my first decision that I was able to make without my parents’ influence (which they tried to do and dissuade me from). Truly. Little did I know how much she would come to mean to me later in life, as I have encountered similar things that she did.
However, I fell away from the Faith, as a young adult. Many years later, when our children were in early elementary school, we returned to going to Church, and about 6 months later, the Holy Spirit made His appearance in my life in a very big and obvious way.
I became a lukewarm Catholic, and through my own fault, and lack of strength, I stepped away again, due to a disagreement with my particular parish and clergy.
God looked out for me, and I returned yet again (prodigal, much?). I’m so thankful for His Love, Mercy and Forgiveness. I have since grown in Faith, and can’t dodge the Spirit no matter how much I might even consider! The Holy Spirit, in my opinion, is the least talked about member of the Holy Trinity, in the Catholic Faith, at least at the parish and Sunday Mass level. We hear of Him especially during Easter and Pentecost, but little else specifically. I personally have increased my devotion to the Holy Spirit like some have to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He has shown Himself to me in many ways, oh so many ways! It is the Holy Spirit who moves in my heart when my eyes fill with tears at the Consecration. It’s the Holy Spirit who soars in my heart when He is mentioned in the Creed. Those are just two examples. There are dozens and dozens more.
I have attended a few Masses held nearby, with fellow Charismatic Catholics. I learned a lot from them, but all through the Holy Spirit.
I suggest being open with the Holy Spirit. God loves us; He loves us as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Be open to His movement. Don’t be dissuaded by external feelings. Listen to God. He will not lead you astray. Go as slow as you need to go. He is waiting for you, for us, in the Trinity.
I cannot say, nor would I, whether a particular ‘thought’ or feeling that you are having was from Him, or your own internal voice. I’m not experienced enough to tell you that. As long as it doesn’t lead you astray in ANY way, try trusting in Him. There have been times that I didn’t listen, whether that was a ‘gut’ feeling, or the Holy Spirit, and I was wrong. Way wrong. Sometimes I have to listen, and to trust, even without knowing ‘why’. I’ve found it easier to listen to Him the first time, but occasionally, it takes me 3 times to get it. By then, for me, I know it’s what He wants. That’s for me. It may or may not apply to anyone else. I can say, that when I have listened to Him, He’s never led me astray. I may not always know why He’s asking me to do something, but perhaps it isn’t always for me; maybe it’s for someone else’s benefit. For example, tonight I kept feeling the pull to attend the Mass for the Confirmations in our parish. It was almost completely a family event, and I had no family involved. I sat in the back, and prayed, while participating. It also renewed me. I tried not to go (HA! as if), but I couldn’t ‘not’ go. I don’t know if it was for me, or someone else. I just know I had to do as He called.
Look for like minded Catholics within your parish, within your diocese. Masses are held monthly for those who are Charismatic (although everyone is welcome), and areas all over the city have regular prayer meetings, all dedicated to the Holy Spirit.
God bless you, and may the Holy Spirit continue to burn in your heart, every moment of the day.
I was given the grace of such an experience when I came to Adoration before becoming Catholic
