Through this life, ridden with discouragement and struggles, we need a comforter to strengthen and support us. In The Comforter: The Spirit of Joy, Father Andrew Apostoli demonstrates how the Holy Spirit leads us to a deeper relationship with God and the perfect joy which this brings.
Through the lives of the apostles and saints, Father Andrew shows the presence of the Comforter in every step of our spiritual growth. The Holy Spirit is always there, bestowing or withholding consolations to as to cultivate our faith and love for God. By his wisdom, he leads us through the three stages of spiritual development, from the beginning to the perfection of our holiness: the purgative stage, the illuminative stage, and the unitive stage. The reflection questions that follow each chapter encourage us to examine the state of our spiritual lives and challenge us to increase our efforts in pursuit of the source of true Christian joy, the Cross.
Guided by Father Andrew's kindly and experienced teaching, discover how the Holy Spirit's consolation draws us more deeply into a relationship with God and leads us through the three stages of spiritual development. Discern the difference between spiritual and earthly joy. Be inspired by the lives of the apostles as Father Andrew leads the reader, step by step, through the "dark night" along their path to sanctity. Learn how the Holy Spirit can make pain easy to bear and suffering a joy to endure.
Only by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit will we uncover the paradox of the Cross, where suffering produces joy and death gives way to life. Yet, with his help, we can embrace any suffering and surmount any obstacle that comes between us and Christ. Father Andrew's insightful commentary on the Holy Spirit's role in our spiritual lives compels us to a deeper appreciation and love for him.
