We pray “In the name of the Father“, Source of all being… As his family, we speak for all creation.  

“And of the Son,” the Redeemer… We speak as his body. In us, Jesus is continuing his redemptive work. During this Mass and during this day, he will speak with us, in us, and through us. And we will continue his mission: thinking his thoughts, speaking his words, and acting as his body on earth.  

“And of the Spirit,” the Sanctifier and bond of unity between Father and Son, sent to unite all of redeemed humanity in Christ. In the Spirit we are one, as the Father is in the Son and the Son in the Father. In the Spirit, we are one as they are one. We celebrate Mass, not as individuals wrapped up in our private devotion, but as a community speaking, singing, and celebrating together with one mind, one heart, one voice. “In the Spirit.” 

By speaking and acting in unison during Mass, we express and experience our union in the Holy Spirit. We speak and act as one, so we will see and the world will see that we are completely one, and know that the Father and Son have sent their Spirit into our hearts, and that we love one another even as God has loved us (John 17:11-23). 

ACTION: Notice we always speak in the plural during Mass. 

PRAYER: Lord, let us be filled with your Holy Spirit, and know we are one body, one spirit in Christ. 

— 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.