Some have referred to the Holy Spirit as the shy member of the Trinity. He is happy to remain hidden as he shines his light on the Son and the Father through the Son. He wants to remain hidden for this purpose. He is truly glad when he does what he wants to do-glorifying the Son before our eyes. Yes, the Spirit of truth simply wants to bring the radiance of God’s glory to us.

So we do not know the Holy Spirit directly in his own personal glory. We only know the Spirit indirectly as the personal presence of God bringing the glory of God to us in the face of Christ and enabling us to share in that glory as we are transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory. His light shines in us to enlighten us so that we may see the beauty of Jesus with the eyes of our hearts. And as we are transformed into his glory by the Spirit we reflect his beauty to one another.

What a great vision of church! A community gathered around Jesus contemplating his glory in the Spirit and being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory in the Spirit. And also, by the Spirit, reflecting that glory to one another and the world. All this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. Of course! How else?