SIGNS OF THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Half of Christianity claims that they possess the Holy Spirit. But what are the signs of the presence of the Holy Spirit? 

As Christ Himself stated, "He, the Holy Spirit, will remind you of all the things I have taught you." So, one possessed by the Holy Spirit would know all the commands of Christ and how to observe them since these are the things that Christ taught while He was on earth. 

Before Pentecost, the disciples were able to teach the commands of Christ and how to observe them to a few. But after Pentecost, they were able to teach many the commands of Christ and how to observe them. 

At the end of the the Gospel, Christ gave the apostolic commission to "teach all nations all My commands and how to observe them." One possessed by the Holy Spirit would know those commands and how to observe them. 

Secondly, St. Thomas describes one possessed by the Holy Spirit as one who loves the Church. And love for the Church is shown by building the Church. To build His Church means to teach men the commands of Christ and how to observe them...and guiding souls to the observance of these commands. 

The absence of this knowledge is proof that there is no abiding of the Holy Spirit as in Pentecost. The slightest error in one's belief makes one unworthy to receive the Holy Spirit. When Mary Magdalene forgot one statement of Christ, which was her only mistake, Christ had to rebuke her, "touch me not", so that her knowledge may be complete and she be worthy to receive the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. 

(updated 07-02-02)