Baptism of Desire  

We have “communion (koinonia, fellowship) in the Holy Spirit” with all who are baptized. But Baptism can be through water, blood, or desire (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1257-1261). 

In the sacrament, we are “born of water and Spirit” (John 3:5). Those martyred while preparing for Baptism were “baptized in their blood.” And some are baptized through “desire,” the grace of unconditional acceptance of an invitation from God that might take any form. The Magi were invited through a star. Had they died in the desert before reaching Bethlehem, they would have died Christians, because, sight unseen, they had “come to adore him”(Matthew 2:1).  

When Peter spoke to Gentiles in the house of Cornelius, “the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word… Then Peter said, ‘Can anyone withhold the water of Baptism from these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’” (Acts 10:9). The manifestation of the Spirit took precedence over the sacramental sign.  

We do not presume to judge who has received the Holy Spirit. Jesus said that in practice we should assume “whoever is not against you is for you” (Luke 9:50). So in our hearts we reverence all as children of our Father while we long to make our “communion in the Spirit” public and complete with everyone. 

ACTION: Look for the “fruit of the Holy Spirit” (Galatians 5:22) in everyone you deal with.  

PRAYER: Lord, let me recognize as children of God all who are led by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14). 

— 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.