What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit today?

What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit today?

In the first chapter of the Gospel of Mark, John the Baptist is quoted as saying "I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit (Mk 1:8)." Both Saint Matthew and Saint Luke have a similar scene, bit add the words "and with fire" along with the Holy Spirit.

It is very important to state right up front that there is only ONE Baptism in Christianity. If the priest, deacon, or in some cases lay person pours water on you and says the words "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" you are baptized, once and for all. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is not a different, or later Baptism than our reception of the Sacrament of Baptism. Baptism in the Holy Spirit is not a sacrament and it is not necessarily an "event." It is not required to be a member of the Charismatic movement to be Baptized in the Holy Spirit.

Rather it is the unfolding and deepening experience of what the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation have already accomplished in us. You can use the analogy of the gifts of the Holy Spirit we receive at Baptism and Confirmation as birthday presents that we get, but keep wrapped up in pretty paper. We do not fully realize their usefulness and do not fully enjoy and exercise them until the gifts are unwrapped. Many Christians know about Jesus because they were taught by parents, learned it in religious education classses, read the Bible or saw it in movies. However, there may be no imtimate and experienced knowledge of the person of Jesus Christ.

To be Baptized with the Holy Spirit is more than to "know about" the Lord. It is to “know” the Lord, personally, deeply, intimately. It is to be in a life changing, transformative relationship with the Lord. It is completely and fully "unwrapping the gifts."

It is knowledge that is certain and very personal. It is to be a first hand witness to the power of Jesus Christ to change my life, It is to arrive at the state where He is changing and transforming me. I am living the beatitudes when I am filled with the Holy Spirit.

To be baptized in the Holy Spirit is to be filled with the love that flows between Father and Son in the Holy Trinity, a love that changes a person at the deepest level of his or her being.

The short video at this link from Fr. Francis Martin might be of some assitance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epqAg9MLm_8&feature=player_embedded