Fr. Patrick Briscoe, OP, on Why the Holy Spirit Appeared as Fire

"There are, in our Sacred Scriptures, four visible manifestations of the Holy Spirit. He appears at the baptism of Christ as a dove (Luke 3:22), at the Transfiguration of Jesus as the cloud (Luke 17:5), as wind in the Upper Room (Acts 2:2), and lastly as tongues of fire (Acts 2:3).

"While one can say many things about these manifestations, the Holy Spirit considered as fire has a particular place in our tradition. Fire warms, enlightens, and cleanses. These properties of fire speak to us of the work proper to the Holy Spirit."

In a recent commentary, Father Patrick Briscoe, O.P., reflected why the Holy Spirit appeared as fire and how we can learn, from this manifestation, to allow the Holy Spirit to act in our lives.

To access Fr Patrick's complete post, please visit:

Aleteia: Fr. Patrick Briscoe, OP: Why the Holy Spirit appeared as fire (31 MAY 20)

Editor's note: Myrna and I are parishioners at Saint Pius V Parish, where Fr. Patrick is currently serving (until the end of June).