Tuesday, August 2, 2022

How does the Holy Spirit refashion us?

[The Holy Spirit] is the Author of spiritual regeneration. ...

Everyone singly is created anew, refashioned by the Light. If this most wise and loving Spirit takes possession of a shepherd, he makes him a psalmist, subduing evil spirits by his song and proclaims him King. If he possess a herdsman and dresser of sycamore-figs, he makes him a prophet. Call to mind David and Amos.

If he takes hold of a good youth, He makes him a judge of elders, even beyond his years, as Daniel testifies, who conquered lions in their den. If he takes possession of Fishermen, He makes them catch the whole world in the nets of Christ, taking them up in the meshes of the Word. Look at Peter and Andrew and the Sons of Thunder, thundering the things of the spirit. If of publicans, he reaps profits of them for discipleship, and makes them merchants of souls. Witness Matthew, yesterday a publican, today an evangelist. If of zealous persecutors, He changes the current of their zeal, and makes them Pauls instead of Sauls, and as full of piety as He found them full of wickedness.
St. Gregory Nazianzen, Oration 41, On Pentecost
I love, love, love this look at how the Holy Spirit works in people. I already knew how these people had changed but never connected all of these things with action of the Holy Spirit regenerating them to be their best selves. Each is a very distinctive individual and, yet, each of them is part of God's tapestry. Who am I in that tapestry if I cooperate with the Spirit?

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