The functions and offices of the Holy Spirit are as infinite as his existence, essence, and being. Some of his known job descriptions include being our Advocate before God the Father. Jesus says: “I will ask the Father, and he will send you another Advocate, that he may be with you forever.” He is also our Teacher. Jesus also said: “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (Jn. 14:16, 26).

The Holy Spirit is also our Intercessor. He intercedes for us in accordance with the will of God. (Rm. 8:26-27). The Holy Spirit also helps to build up our faith in God and to preserve us in the love of God. Thus, St. Jude says that by building up ourselves in our most holy faith and by praying to the Holy Spirit, we can preserve ourselves in the love of God as we await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring us to eternal life. (Jude 1:2).

The Holy Spirit is also a Divine Sanctifier. We are justified and sanctified in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. (Rm. 15:16; II Thess. 2:13; Heb. 9:14, 13:12; I Cor. 6:11). He infuses sanctifying grace and the virtues of faith, hope, and charity into souls. Also, the elect are known by God the Father through his foreknowledge and are sanctified by the Holy Spirit to be obedient to Jesus Christ. (I Pet. 1:2). St. Paul states that he was called to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles to perform the priestly service of the gospel of God so that the offering up of the Gentiles, sanctified by the Holy Spirit, may be acceptable to God. (Rm. 15:16).

We are also washed clean of our sins, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. Thus, we ought to give thanks to God because he chose us as fruits of salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in truth. (I Cor. 6:11; II Thess. 2:13). The Holy Spirit also makes a person to be holy and just before God by means of his sanctifying grace. Sanctifying grace, infused into the soul, cleanses it of all mortal sins, just as light banishes darkness. It also bestows holiness, graces, virtues, and the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit upon the soul.

The Holy Spirit also purifies people by fire. Baptism by fire is one of the means by which the Holy Spirit purifies a soul. John baptized with water for repentance, but Jesus baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire. As gold is purified by fire so is a soul purified by the fire of the Holy Spirit. (Mt. 3:11; Lk. 3:16). The Holy Spirit also leads people to confess that Jesus is Lord. No one can confess that “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit. (II Thess. 2:13; I Cor. 12:3).

Let us pray. O Holy Spirit, Spirit of Truth, come into my heart; shed the brightness of your light upon me so that I may be one with you in all things and be pleasing to you at all times. O Holy Spirit, by the precious blood of Jesus and your bright light, sanctify my soul and make me a worthy temple of yours. O Spirit of God, our Advocate, I implore you, by the merits of the precious blood of Jesus, to help me to know your holy will in all matters. Accompany, govern, and assist me in all that I do so that in all things I may fulfill your holy and perfect will, and may your benediction be with me now and always. Amen.