Dominum et vivificantem
- Pope John Paul II
- Libreria Editrice Vaticana
- Vatican City
- 1986 AD
The Cross, Resurrection, and Pentecost reveal the Holy Spirit as the Father’s and Son’s “Person-Gift,” permanently dwelling with the Church and continuing Christ’s work of Redemption. Old Testament prophecy presents the Messiah as anointed with the Spirit, while Jesus’ Nazareth proclamation, baptism, ministry, Passion, and Resurrection disclose his mission to bestow the Spirit. At Pentecost the Apostles receive power to witness and to convince the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment. The Spirit exposes original sin as distrustful disobedience and guides conscience toward repentance rather than condemnation; blasphemy against the Spirit is the persistent refusal of offered salvation. The Incarnation, accomplished through Mary’s fiat, makes humanity God’s adopted children, while the Spirit remains active in all history and in people of good will. Against materialism and a culture of death, the Spirit gives life, freedom, dignity, and inner transformation. Through the Eucharist and other sacraments the Church becomes a sign and instrument of union with God, and through prayer—alongside Mary in the Upper Room—believers await the Counselor, Advocate, and source of hope.
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