39. The Holy Spirit in Us

In Baptism we were made temples of the Holy Spirit and in Confirmation we were given a more full sharing in this Spirit. It was by the power of the Holy Spirit and in Confirmation we were given a more full sharing in this Spirit. It was by the power of the Holy Spirit (invoked at the EPICLESIS) that the change of the gifts into Christ's very self was made possible (at the consecration). To assist the functional quality of communion, we would do well to invoke the Holy Spirit interiorly in preparation. Many people find it efficacious to read along the priest's private prayers at the altar. Before the Ecce Agnus Dei, he has the option of two quite good ones. My favorite is the first: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, by the will of the Father and the work of the Holy Spirit your death brought life to the world. By your holy body and blood free me from my sins, and from every evil. Keep me faithful to your teaching, and never let me be parted from you." Before communicating holy communion to himself, the priest prays, "May the body [or the blood] of Christ bring me to everlasting life." This life will be made possible if we are appropriate houses for God. If the light of God's Spirit has been darkened in our souls, the effects of the Eucharist can be diminished or even reversed. The priest's second preparation prayer hints at that: "Lord Jesus Christ, with faith in your love and mercy I eat your body and drink your blood. Let it not bring me condemnation, but health in mind and body."

When you realize that Jesus Christ, the God-Man, comes through holy communion, does this give you any insight into your dignity? I hope so. Christ promises that he will find us with the Holy Spirit. We are, as the Pauline terminology reminds us, TEMPLES OF GOD. God lives within us. This divine presence is fostered by holy communion. Strictly speaking, the Eucharistic presence that we receive in communion only lasts about 15 minutes; but, the presence of the Holy Spirit, forming us into new Christs, remains until we commit a mortal sin, telling God that we do not want him anymore. Communion increases that presence of the Spirit within us.

We can relate to the Father as Creator. We see his beauty in the things he has made. The Son we can understand to some extent because he put on our human nature. However, the Holy Spirit has chosen us as a sign. Depending upon how we act, it might be the poorest sign of all. It behooves us to keep this presence first given in Baptism. It is a sign of unity, healing, and charity. It is a sign of the power of God, living and acting in us.