To the Spirit all
creatures turn in their need for sanctification; all living things seek him
according to their ability. His breath empowers each to achieve its own natural
end.
The Spirit is the source
of holiness, a spiritual light, and he offers his own light to every mind to
help it in its search for truth. By nature the Spirit is beyond the reach of
our mind, but we can know him by his goodness. The power of the Spirit fills
the whole universe, but he gives himself only to those who are worthy, acting
in each according to the measure of his faith.
Simple in himself, the
Spirit is manifold in his mighty works. The whole of his being is present to
each individual; the whole of his being is present everywhere. Though shared in
by many, he remains unchanged; his self-giving is no loss to himself. Like the
sunshine, which permeates all the atmosphere, spreading over land and sea, and
yet is enjoyed by each person as though it were for him alone, so the Spirit
pours forth his grace in full measure, sufficient for all, and yet is present
as though exclusively to everyone who can receive him. To all creatures that
share in him he gives a delight limited only by their own nature, not by his
ability to give.
The Spirit raises our
hearts to heaven, guides the steps of the weak, and brings to perfection those
who are making progress. He enlightens those who have been cleansed from every
stain of sin and makes them spiritual by communion with himself.
As clear, transparent
substances become very bright when sunlight falls on them and shine with a new
radiance, so also souls in whom the Spirit dwells, and who are enlightened by
the Spirit, become spiritual themselves and a source of grace for others.
From the treatise On the
Holy Spirit by Saint Basil the Great,
