Come, Holy Spirit

It was after one of the Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) classes at St. Matthew’s, and Maria Wanner was wrapping things up. We put our notebooks away and bowed our heads, and she taught us a prayer to the Holy Spirit. 

As I walked out of the class, I wondered if the Holy Spirit had ever come to me. I wondered if I would know if He had. What would the Holy Spirit feel like, enkindling my heart? 

Blessed Conchita has many names for the Holy Spirit — Director, Consoler, Guide, and Strength — and wrote that He is the “joy of hearts” and the “repose of souls.” Her words helped me understand not just the identity of the Holy Spirit, but also His role in my life. 

Conchita wrote that the Holy Spirit is the guide who leads us to holiness and helps us live a “divine life.” With Him, we can walk the narrow path to righteousness. The Holy Spirit is the one who “makes easy by grace what is difficult by nature,” so that we may love Jesus and keep His commandments. 

Looking back on that RCIA class more than a year later, I realize now that the Holy Spirit led me to that moment, and continues to guide me still. Today, I feel such humble gratitude for RCIA, for Maria’s guidance, and for the love of the Holy Spirit. 

I still meditate on the little prayer Maria taught me, and I’d like to leave it here as an open invitation to you. Jesus will not leave us orphans; He will come to us, and his Advocate will be with us always.

“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of Your love.”

–Sarah Moll
Send Us Forth are reflections written by St. Matthew parishioners and friends.