The Tripod of Prayer 

The structure of the Mass reveals the Church’s consciousness of the Father, Son and Spirit. 

Mass begins “in the name of the Father… Son… Holy Spirit.”   

The intent of the Greeting is so clearly Trinitarian—”grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, love of God, communion in the Holy Spirit”—that many countries substitute “Father” for “God.” 

The Gloria praises the Father, Son and Spirit, ending with “you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father.” 

The Gospel reader is blessed: “May the Lord be in your heart and on your lips that you may proclaim his Gospel worthily and well, in the name of the Father… Son… Holy Spirit.”  

The Creed professes belief successively in “one God, the Father… and in “one Lord, the Son, made flesh by the Holy Spirit”… and in “the Holy Spirit, the Lord.”   

The Eucharistic Prayer ends with the doxology: “Through him, with him, in him (Jesus), to you, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honor and glory.”  

Before Communion the presider prays: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who by the will of the Father and the work of the Holy Spirit, through your death gave Life to the world; free me by this your most holy Body and Blood from all my sins and from every evil.”  

Mass ends with the final blessing: “May Almighty God bless you, Father, Son, and Spirit.” 

ACTION: Keep conscious of all Three Persons during Mass.  

PRAYER: Father, Son and Spirit, give me Life. 

— 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.