Be the Voice of God 

The Creed says the Holy Spirit “has spoken through the prophets.” 

The Gifts of the Spirit are divine enlightenment—Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Counsel—and divine empowerment—Piety (Family Spirit), Courage and Awe of the Lord. The Spirit speaks through today’s prophets to show us Truth we had not noticed, and to urge us to do Good not supported by our culture. Then he overcomes the division this causes (Matthew 10:34) by making us One in a new and deeper way: “one in the Spirit.” That is how we experience the Being of God. 

Before Jesus, God chose special persons as prophets to give a message to the people.  Now every Christian is consecrated in Baptism as “Prophet, Priest, and King,” or Steward of the kingship of Christ. As prophets we receive the Gifts of the Spirit to speak truth in words supported by the example of our lives. 

If our words and example challenge cultural values, many will reject us. Jesus said, “Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:19). Then we experience the Holy Spirit: “When they hand you over, do not worry… but say whatever is given you at that time, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit” (Mark 13:11). 

ACTION: Never ask again what is right or wrong; ask what bears witness to the values of Christ. 

PRAYER: “Lord, send forth your Spirit. Renew the face of the earth.” 

— Fr. David M. Knight

View today’s Mass readings on the USCCB website here

Easter season is the time to focus on the Holy Spirit. Starting on Easter Sunday, we will look carefully at how the Spirit is proclaimed, invoked, and presented to us in the Mass. Lex orandi, lex credendi: “As the Church prays, so she believes.”

After that, we will reflect on the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:2; Galatians 5:22), and at how the Spirit enters the life of those who believe.

As you read these reflections, ask for the gift of Understanding. Ask to really understand what you believe, what you see and hear at Mass. Go deeper into understanding the Mass than you ever have before. We experience the Faith when we become aware of its mystery. We hope you reflect deeply on the Mass and Gifts of the Holy Spirit, and find yourself more and more drawn into the mysteries of our Lord in the Mass and in His Gifts.