How important is the Holy Spirit to living a truly Catholic life?
The two are inseparable. The Catechism tells us, The Holy Spirit is "the principle of every vital and truly saving action in each part of the Body." In other words, without the Holy Spirit, we have no Church, no life in Christ, no salvation.
How can I get the Holy Spirit at work in my life?
First, it is important to remember that the Holy Spirit is already at work in your life. He has been living in you since the day of your Baptism. 1 Corinthians 6:19 clearly teaches us that, “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God.”
You mean when I was baptized I received the Holy Spirit?
Yes, as Catholics we believe at Baptism we are baptized with water and the Holy Spirit. “Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit.” CCC 1213
But if the Holy Spirit is in me, then why don’t I always feel Him?
Well, it is important to understand that the Holy Spirit is a person, not a feeling. And while we can experience Him with our senses, we need to approach Him in faith, not feelings. With that being said, it is possible for us to have the Holy Spirit in our lives and yet not have His power fully released. This can happen because of sin or because we are not praying for God to stir up the gift of the Spirit we received in Baptism.
So how can I experience more of the Holy Spirit each day?
First, ask in prayer for God to fan into flame the gift you received in both Baptism and Confirmation. Second, get to the Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation on a regular basis. The grace from these Sacraments empowers us to follow Christ and to live the life of the Holy Spirit each and every day. Third, cooperate with the Holy Spirit. He will always live in us, but if we do not yield to His presence to empower us, to guide us, and to teach us how to love, then we are wasting the gift.
How will I know when the Holy Spirit is at work in my life?
Galatians 5:22-23 states, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” When the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives, fruit begins to be produced. But be sure to be patient with yourself - real fruit takes time to grow and ripen. As you pray and follow Jesus, more of the fruit of the Spirit will grow in your life!