Page 163 - Built For God Handbook (Annotated and Explained Edition) - The Christian Edition of the Tao Te Ching - The New Evangelization - Pope John Paul II

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Water is a wonderful image of the Holy Spirit, who is the giver of life, the
bond of love between the Father and the Son, and who penetrates every
corner of our being. Like water, which nourishes the earth, evaporates, rises
to the heavens, and returns once again as rain to nourish plants and
humans, the Spirit eternally pours out on humanity the gift of God’s
gracious, powerful love.

The Holy Spirit is humble and invisible and never dominates, overwhelms,
or forces a way into our lives. Like water that softens and enlivens hard, dry
earth, the Spirit reveals her presence in our lives by the fruit of the gifts
showered upon us—joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Although considered the Great
Spirit by the Indigenous peoples, her greatness is always tempered with
tender love.

b
c
a John 7:37-39; John 15:1-8; John 8:50-54; Philippians 2:5-8;
f
d Matthew 19:21; Ecclesiastes 3:20-21; Ecclesiastes 1:7; Luke 1:32;
e
g Hebrews 12:1-2; Hebrews 1:1-6