What’s the Nature of the Holy Spirit? (The Patrick Madrid Show)

Understanding the Trinity and the role of the Holy Spirit can be very confusing, but don’t worry! 🎙 Patrick Madrid is here to explain. Let’s delve into the highlights:

🔍 Understanding the Holy Spirit

Nature of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. This means we’re talking about one God in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is fully God, possessing the same divine nature as the Father and the Son.

🌌 Eternal Mystery

Beyond Time: God exists outside of time. When we say God is eternal, it means He is not bound by temporal limitations. This applies equally to the Holy Spirit.

Trinity Explained

One God in Three Persons: The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not three separate gods. They share one divine essence. If they were separate, it would limit God’s infinitude, contradicting His nature.

Analogies: Patrick uses the analogy of a reflection in a mirror to illustrate the distinct yet unified nature of the Trinity. Though this analogy is not perfect, it helps us grasp the concept of distinct persons sharing one essence.

📜 Scriptural Insights

Incarnation and the Holy Spirit: Jesus, the incarnate second person of the Trinity, receives the Holy Spirit in His humanity. This is seen at key moments like His baptism, where the Holy Spirit descends like a dove.

Mary’s Role: Mary, full of grace and overshadowed by the Holy Spirit, becomes the mother of Jesus through a miraculous, divine act, showing her unique relationship with the Holy Spirit.

🧠 Divine Knowledge and Love

Infinite Attributes: God’s knowledge, power, and love are limitless. The Holy Spirit, sharing in this divine infinitude, also embodies these attributes fully.

📚 Go Deeper

If you want to learn more, Patrick recommends Dominum et Vivificantem, an encyclical by St. Pope John Paul II, which delves into the Holy Spirit’s role and nature. 📖

 

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

Jake Moore serves as a Digital Audio Content Producer for Relevant Radio®. He is a graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville, and is passionate about classic movies, Christian music, young adult ministry, and leading this generation to Christ through compelling media. You can listen to more of his podcasts at relevantradio.com and on the Relevant Radio® app.