June 4 Sun
The Holy 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. 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.
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.
A real relationship with the Holy Trinity brings to a soul peace, serenity, and calm. We have good reason to seek them, for we know that habitual serenity and mastery over our passions, in work, in suffering, and in temptation, are indispensable in Christian life. As well as good will, we need fortitude in order to subject everything to him.
The peace which our Lord gives does not consist in the absence of difficulties, but rather in our overcoming them. The calmness, peace and serenity which we ardently desire to receive from the Holy Spirit come from our filial relationship with God, which makes us feel secure and protected. Then we can say: The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? As a result, we are peaceful and calm.
God comes with tranquility, but not with the false serenity of indifference or unconcern. We cannot remain indifferent at the sight of a world which is not Christian and sometimes not even human. For many people have not yet attained the living conditions in the temporal order which permit spiritual development, and others are unaware of anything which is not carnal.
The serenity which God gives us does not mean closing our eyes to reality. It means viewing it with optimism, trusting in the help of our Father in heaven. And joy amid difficulties is a consequence of serenity.