Holy Spirit or spirit of the world?

Abstract

A warped spirituality warps everything in the human being: rationality, freedom, aspirations, ideals, priorities, moral norms, conscience, ties, values. It is for this reason that ailments of the spirit are much more dangerous than those of the body. A mature spirituality allows one to achieve maturity in all spheres of human nature. After His resurrection, Jesus sends us His Spirit of Truth and Love in order that it may defend us against the spirit of this world, against the spirit of falsehood and sin. The spirit of this world deceives us by promising an easy happiness: one without friendship with God, without the Decalogue, without vigilance and conversion, without marriage and family. It wishes that we mistake good for that which gives momentary pleasure. The spirit of this world deprives us of that which it promises: wisdom, freedom, joy. The spirit of Jesus brings us gifts which defend us against the snares of the spirit of this world. These gifts are: wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, fortitude, piety, the fear of God.