In particular concerning Adam and Eve, the Church presents to us on Holy Saturday a historic passage that illustrates how Christ searched for Adam and Eve. Here is a brief excerpt:

“Today a profound quiet envelops the earth, an immense quiet and an immense calm. An immense quiet because the King is in slumber. The earth shook and is tranquil because God has taken rest in human form and he has awakened all who have rested since the inception of the world. … He has ventured to find Adam, our original ancestor, as one searches for a lost sheep. Eagerly wishing to visit those dwelling in darkness and in the shadow of death, he has come to liberate from grief Adam in his chains and Eve, imprisoned alongside him — He who is both their Creator and the offspring of Eve. …[He beckons to them:] ‘I am your Creator, who for your benefit have become your Offspring. … I command you, O sleeper, to arise. I did not fashion you to be a captive in hell. Get up from the dead, for I am the essence of the dead.’”

It is appropriate that Adam and Eve are elevated and subsequently join Christ among those previously held captive (cf. Eph 4:8), as they were given the “protoevangelion” (the initial Gospel) promising that a descendant of theirs would defeat the dominion of Satan. Therefore, even though there is no official proclamation regarding Adam and Eve’s presence in heaven, it is undoubtedly a well-supported tradition we can trust.

The Holy Spirit in the Hebrew Scriptures

Question: If the Holy Spirit is everlasting, why did we need to wait for Jesus to arrive to send the Holy Spirit? Was the Holy Spirit not accessible to the ancient Israelites?

— Paul VanHoudt, via email

Answer: The Holy Spirit was active and accessible to the ancient Israelites, as shown in the Old Testament in various ways, though not in the complete manner that he resides in the hearts of the baptized individuals today. Right at the start of Scripture, we encounter the Holy Spirit: “the earth was without form or shape, with darkness over the abyss and a mighty wind [spirit or breath of God] sweeping over the waters” (Gn 1:2). Numerous other instances exist. For instance, “From there they arrived at Gibeah, where a group of prophets met Saul, and the spirit of God rushed upon him, so that he joined them in their prophetic ecstasy” (1 Sm 10:10). Furthermore, “The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; He has sent me to bring good news to the afflicted, to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, release to the prisoners” (Is 61:1). Additionally, “Do not cast me away from your presence, nor take your holy spirit from me” (Ps 51:13).

There are numerous instances in the Old Testament where the Holy Spirit is referenced. While the ancient Jews might not have comprehended the Holy Spirit as a distinct person within the Trinity, it would be inaccurate to claim that the Holy Spirit was entirely inaccessible to them.

A unique honor for those baptized in a state of grace is that the Holy Spirit resides within us as in a temple (cf. 1 Cor 6:19). We are also instructed that he is a being, not merely an energy or a facet of God. This inner presence and deeper comprehension are what primarily set us apart from the ancient Jews and their beliefs.

Msgr. Charles Pope is the pastor of Holy Comforter-St. Cyprian in Washington, D.C., and writes for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. at blog.adw.org. Send questions to msgrpope@osv.com.