+ The readings today at Mass relate something that is mostly and
entirely misunderstood by most Catholics in the world since Apostolic times; and
that “something” is the fact that everyone is called upon to receive the
essential and vitalizing “baptism of the Holy Spirit.”
The very term probably turns
many of us off, because of the ill use of the term, and quite frankly some
hysterical manifestations of mostly wannabe Spirit baptized people or over
enthusiastic recipients.
There are actually three stages
of baptism that are generously and lovingly provided by the Most Blessed
Trinity: water baptism (in the name of the Trinity) for removal or Original Sin
and transformation into a child of God, a member of Christ’s Mystical Body, and
heir of Paradise. Next, is the sealing and first tooling of the water baptized
in the Sacrament of Confirmation. But, when a child is full grown and wiling to
be a true Instrument of Grace and Love of God to any and all they will
encounter each day: the baptism of the Holy Spirit, with the same effect as
fell upon the Apostles and the 120 on Pentecost Day, the birthday of the Church
– with is specialized spiritual tools to make a difference in the world – is highly
encouraged – making it the fullness of the sealing of the Spirit and water
baptism.
Jesus himself many times in Scripture
commanded us to be thus baptized saying: “John baptized with water, but you
will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” And so today the Scripture reminds us to do
it: St Peter, today in the first reading recognized and celebrated the fact
that the same Spirit baptism had indeed been bestowed on the Gentiles of Caesarea.
A gospel correlation is this:
the Gate of the Sheepfold is the three fold baptismal process that all are
invited to request and accept. Those who encourage this process are the Good
Shepherds, and those who manipulate this process for their own ends are the Bad
Shepherds who are to be rejected and avoided.
You may ask how do I do this,
be baptized in the Holy Spirit: it’s quite simple: JUST ASK FOR IT: say after
choosing the time to do it and sitting quietly, prayerfully:
“You are the Breath of God, Holy Spirit of
God, You are the Gift of the Redeemer, You are the Joy and life of Holy Church –
the Mystical Body of Christ – and His Bride. You are the all-powerful, all
healing, all peaceful Presence of the Most Blessed Trinity. Come, Holy Spirit,
fill my heart to overflowing. Come, Lord Spirit, COME! I ask now to be Baptized
by You with the full release and outpouring of Pentecost power, wind, flames
and fire of LOVE, HEALING, CREATIVITY AND MERCY. Dear Spirit of God, fall on me
fresh and mighty today, with courage, with vitality, with GUSTO – with the
accompanying manifestation through me of all Your Gifts that you will me to
have as I go out into the world today. AMEN!”
Be prepared for the adventure
of your lifetime – and it will be yours!
God bless you!
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