Some effects of the Holy Spirit in a just soul
2 min • Digitized on March 27, 2022
From The Sinner’s Guide, page 65
By Venerable Louis of Granada
The effects produced in the soul by the Holy Ghost do not end here. This Divine Spirit, not content with causing us to enter the path of justice, maintains us therein, strengthening us against all obstacles until we arrive at the haven of salvation. His love will not permit Him to remain idle in a soul which He honors by His presence.
He sanctifies her with His virtue, and effects in her and by her all that is necessary to win eternal life. He dwells in the soul as a father in the midst of a family, preserving order and peace by his prudent authority; as a master in the midst of his disciples, teaching lessons of Divine wisdom; as a gardener in a garden confided to his intelligent care; as a king in his kingdom, ruling and directing all; as the sun in the midst of the universe, enlightening and vivifying her, and directing all her movements.
Possessing in an eminent degree all the good that is in creatures, He produces, but in a far more perfect manner, all the effects of which these creatures are capable.
As fire He vivifies our understanding, enkindles our will, and detaches us from earth to raise us to heavenly things; as a dove He renders us sweet, gentle, and compassionate to one another; as a cloud He shelters us from the burning sensuality of the flesh, and tempers the heat of our passions; as a violent wind He impels our wills to good and sweeps all evil affections from our hearts.
Hence it is that just souls abhor the vices which they formerly loved, and embrace the virtues from which they formerly shrank. Witness David, who cries out: “I have hated and abhorred iniquity: … I have rejoiced in the way of Thy testimonies as much as in all riches.”