From the ancient Greek philosophers comes the word “pneuma” which means breath of life. Derived from the elements of air and fire, pneuma is the very spirit or soul of the human person. The word today has been used in many different contexts—pneumatic tires for example are filled with air. As Christians the breath of God is the Holy Spirit. Often called “the forgotten God,” it is the Holy Spirit who fills us with courage, consoles us in times of trouble, and puts fire in our bellies! Prior to the Second Vatican Council the Holy Spirit was called “The Holy Ghost” which comes from the Old English word for spirit—“gast”. Each of us is called to be a spirit-fueled Christian, filled with the warmth and fire of the Holy Spirit. To whom will you bring the warmth of the Holy Spirit to today?
—Julianne Stanz is a speaker, writer and mother of two, originally from Ireland. She currently serves as Director of the New Evangelization for the Diocese of Green Bay, WI.