Offered by Dcn. George Kelly

 

                                                The Sacrament of Confirmation

 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Preparation for Confirmation should aim at leading the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a livelier familiarity with the Holy Spirit—his actions, his gifts, and his biddings—in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life” (no.1309).

 

Confirmation showers God’s GRACE upon those who receive it; Confirmation is: “An outward sign, Instituted by Christ, To give grace.”  Jesus told us in the Gospel, “Do not be afraid!”  Confirmation gives us the Grace to live unafraid, because the Holy Spirit is guiding us to God.

 

Jesus wants us to TRUST Him, to TRUST The Holy Spirit and to TRUST The Heavenly Father.  TRUST is fundamental to loving God, loving others and loving ourselves.  Confirmation gives us the grace to “…be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”

 

Maybe this story can illuminate this preparation, “Linda Taylor was putting her three [little children] to bed.  Suddenly Peggy who had just begun kindergarten, said “Mommy, if the world came to an end, right now …”

 

Linda gulped and said a quick prayer for guidance; “Yes, dear,” … “go on.”  Peggy said, “Would I have to take my library book back, or would it be okay to leave it at home?”  Peggy’s innocent question and Jesus’ sobering words invite us to reflect on how ready we are to meet our maker right now?

(Action, Cycle C, Sunday, ordinary Time, Week 19, p.300) 

 

Today reflect on how you are preparing for the end of the world, or the end of your life.  Are you living by preparing for the end, by the way you live your life?  

Lent reminds us to reform our lives, so we live each day, as a gift to our Heavenly Father, TRUSTING in God’s Providence for us and for our world.

 

Saint Joseph, pray for us.

Saint Andre Bessette intercede for us.

May God Be Praised!