separateurCreated with Sketch.

One way to identify the action of the Holy Spirit

kobieta modli się na otwartej przestrzeni o zachodzie słońca
whatsappfacebooktwitter-xemailnative
Philip Kosloski - published on 06/03/25
whatsappfacebooktwitter-xemailnative
St. Cyril of Jerusalem provides this brief spiritual guide to know when the Holy Spirit is the one acting within your soul.

At times it can be difficult to recognize the movements of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This can be due to our current spiritual state, or simply never being taught how to identify the action of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit can act within us in a variety of ways, but at the same time, many saints have recognized the Holy Spirit's particular character.

Light, very light

St. Cyril of Jerusalem provides his thoughts on identifying the movements of the Holy Spirit in a catechetical instruction he wrote that is included in the Office of Readings:

The Spirit comes gently and makes himself known by his fragrance. He is not felt as a burden, for he is light, very light. Rays of light and knowledge stream before him as he approaches.

From St. Cyril's point of view, the Holy Spirit is one who does not bring us down, but lifts us up. The Holy Spirit is like the wind, gently breezing through our soul.

St. Cyril also explains how the Holy Spirit is a friend:

The Spirit comes with the tenderness of a true friend and protector to save, to heal, to teach, to counsel, to strengthen, to console. The Spirit comes to enlighten the mind first of the one who receives him, and then, through him, the minds of others as well.

This corresponds to the Holy Spirit's name as, "Advocate," one who is on our side and desires to see us succeed in whatever good we do on earth.

Furthermore, St. Cyril also believes the Holy Spirit is one who brings clarity to one's thoughts:

As light strikes the eyes of a man who comes out of darkness into the sunshine and enables him to see clearly things he could not discern before, so light floods the soul of the man counted worthy of receiving the Holy Spirit and enables him to see things beyond the range of human vision, things hitherto undreamed of.

If you ever feel the warmth of the Holy Spirit's inspiration, you will know his action by the peace and clarity you receive.

This doesn't mean you won't be susceptible to outside influence, or that Satan will not try to bring you down into despair, but that when you feel that tenderness in your soul, you can be certain it is the Holy Spirit.

As with all things, be sure to take these experiences to a trusted spiritual advisor to help further discern the action of the Holy Spirit.

Did you enjoy this article? Would you like to read more like this?

Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. It’s free!

Enjoying your time on Aleteia?

Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you. Please make a tax-deductible donation today!

Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more.