Page 197 - Built For God Handbook (Annotated and Explained Edition) - The Christian Edition of the Tao Te Ching - The New Evangelization - Pope John Paul II

103

The title of this chapter is particularly appropriate, for the Holy Spirit is
precisely a mysterious power that makes all things possible. As the bond of
love between the Father and the Son, the Spirit completes and makes real a
relational, personal, intimate Trinitarian God. The Scriptures inform us that
all things were created through him, that is, through Jesus, the Son of God,
but that creative activity happened through the power of the Spirit or breath
of God (Ruah) hovering over creation and bringing order to it.

While matter gives form to creation and nature unfolds its manifold, intricate,
and complex beauty, it is the Spirit that enlivens everything from the
smallest atom to the highest mountain, keeping all things in existence.

Just as God never dominates or forces God’s self onto anyone, so too does
the Spirit create without possessing, act without taking credit, and nurture
without dominating. Just by their being what they were created to be, all that
exists gives glory to God, inviting human beings, both the highest yet most
dependent of all creation, to give glory to God through the power of the
indwelling Spirit.

b
a Romans 8:26-27; Revelation 4:11; Genesis 2:7; Genesis 28:14;
c Genesis 1:26; 1 John 3:24; 1 John 4:7-12; Matthew 11:28-30;
e
d
f
1 Corinthians 12:1-7; James 2:26; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:13,
h
Romans 8:2; Galatians 5:1 Luke 6:32-36; 1 Corinthians 2:7-11
g