The Paraclete-The Living Flame of Love

Titles of the Holy Spirit

Catechism #692

When he proclaims and promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, Jesus calls him the "Paraclete," literally, "he who is called to one's side," ad-vocatus. "Paraclete" is commonly translated by "consoler," and Jesus is the first consoler. The Lord also called the Holy Spirit "the Spirit of truth."

Besides the proper name of the "Holy Spirit," which is most frequently used in the Acts of the Apostles and in the Epistles, we also find in St. Paul the titles: the Spirit of the promise, the Spirit of adoption, the Spirit of Christ, the Spirit of the Lord, and the Spirit of God--and, in St. Peter, the Spirit of glory.

O living flame of love

that tenderly wounds my soul

in its deepest center! Since

now you are not oppressive,

now consummate! if it be your will:

tear through the veil of this sweet encounter!

St. John of the Cross describes the Holy Spirit as the Flame of Love that ignites the spark of love that resides in our heart for God. This love, as he states, tenderly wounds the soul. St. Teresa of Jesus (Avila) describes this great wound of love in the form of a mystical arrow that pierced her heart and inflamed her soul with love for God, so much that she thought she would die. In the lives of the Saints, we can always find a point of reference to their heart being inflamed with love for God.

Yesterday we celebrated the feast of St. Philip Neri. St. Philip describes many experiences of this flame or burning desire of love, so much so, that he opened his clothes to relieve the overwhelming sensation of heat in his heart.

St. Therese of the Child Jesus describes how she felt after having made the Oblation to Merciful Love:

I felt myself suddenly wounded by a dart of fire so ardent that I thought I should die. I know not how to describe that transport: there is no comparison which would make the vehemence of that flame understood. It seemed as though an invisible force plunged me wholly into fire. Oh, that fire! What sweetness! One minute, one second more, and my soul must have been set free...

The Catechism teaches us that the Holy Spirit is the Paraclete. Paraclete also has a definition of one who consoles. Jesus promised us not to leave us orphans. He remains with us in the Blessed Sacrament and His Spirit is ever-present with us, His Church. Let us not take His Spirit for granted.

May he give us a burning desire for Him alone. A fire that will burn out all attachments to the passing things of this world.

Come, Holy Spirit

Fill the hearts of your faithful.

Enkindle in us the fire of your love!

Peace be with you!

Rosemarie, OCDS