Come, Holy Spirit ─ Inner Fire, Giver of Life, and Comforter of the Poor

One of the world's most creative theologians reflects on the role of the Holy Spirit in the birth of the cosmos, in humanity, in religion, in life of the church, and in the hopes and struggles of the poor.

The presence of the Holy Spirit runs throughout the scriptures, from the story of Creation, through the inspiration of the prophets. It filled Mary, resulting in the birth of Jesus, and it inspired his mission. It was released in the church of the feast of Pentecost. But as Leonardo Boff shows, the presence of the Spirit is interwoven in the mysterious origins of the universe. And that Spirit continues to be revealed through the history of humanity--in the spirit of renewal, change, and prophecy, in the history of the church and the struggles of our own time. For Boff, this theme-- the fruit of a lifetime of reflection--takes on special urgency in a time of ecological peril, religious conflict, and oppression of the poor. For when the Spirit comes, "the corpses are filled with life and the wilderness becomes a garden. The poor are granted justice, the sick are restored to health, and we who are all sinners receive forgiveness and grace. This is our faith, and more than that, it is our undying hope."

Leonardo Boff, who lives in Brazil, is one of the world's best-known theologians. He is the author of over sixty books, including Francis of Rome & Francis of Assisi, Christianity in a Nutshell, Jesus Christ Liberator, and Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor. In 2001 he received the prestigious Right Livelihood Award.