THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT by Antony Lobo

Experiencing The Holy Spirit

The Catholic Charismatic Renewal stands out within the Church today. What sets it apart, akin to how a highlighter emphasizes specific scriptures, is its distinctive focus on the Holy Spirit. This does not imply that those within the Renewal are better, holier, or more spiritual than other Catholics. Rather, it highlights a heightened awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence, power, and significance as the third person of the Holy Trinity. This awareness acknowledges the Holy Spirit as a person, just like the Father and the Son. The Spirit is not merely a peaceful dove or a symbol of fire, water, and oil. He is no longer "the forgotten person of the Holy Trinity," as described by one of our Popes. He is fully and wholly God, playing a crucial role in our salvation and the world's.

This awareness prompts us to open ourselves to the Spirit's power, to yield and cooperate with it. This act of opening and yielding is known as the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, the cornerstone of the Charismatic Renewal. Without it, the Renewal would not exist. There would be no spiritual gifts, ministry, outreach, healing, evangelization, or interest in studying the Word. There would be no intercession, praise and worship, or vibrant prayer meetings; just the same sedate Christianity that existed before the Spirit overshadowed the Indian Church in 1971.

The term "baptism" means to cleanse or purify. Historically, the Church has "baptized" pagan feasts like Christmas and Easter, imbuing them with new Christian meanings and purposes. In the Sacrament of Baptism, we are cleansed from original sin, made new, and become temples of the Holy Spirit. Similarly, through the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, we are tried, used, purified, cleansed, shaped, and transformed into other Christs.

To be baptized in the Holy Spirit means to be immersed and soaked in the Spirit of Jesus. It means that every fiber of our being and every facet of our lives must be touched, influenced, and controlled by the Spirit. This includes our minds, thoughts, attitudes, reasoning; our hearts, feelings, relationships, service, prayer; our bodies, conscience, free will, and even our sexuality. The Spirit permeates every part and aspect of our human life, transforming us into another Christ. It means, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me."

An Ongoing and Deepening Encounter

Charismatics, especially leaders, must recognize that this change and transformation is not a one-time, magical experience. It is an ongoing and deepening encounter with the Holy Spirit, continually shaping us into the likeness of Christ.