Homily for Confirmation: April 14, 2007

Given by the Most Reverend Stephen E. Blaire at the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Stockton.

The Solemnity of Easter is celebrated by the Church for eight days – called the Octave of Easter. Today is the seventh day of Easter and the scripture readings are ideal for understanding the significance of the Sacrament of Confirmation in the gift of the Holy Spirit who seals your baptism into Christ.

Three important messages can be gleaned from the Scriptures about the work of the Holy Spirit in those baptized and confirmed.

First. BE BOLD. The Holy Spirit emboldens one to be strong and courageous as a Christian. The religious leaders in the Acts of the Apostles observed the boldness of Peter and John. This boldness is a courageous self assurance based upon the conviction of faith. It is not arrogance; it does not seek to diminish others; it does not lessen respect and toleration for other’s beliefs. What it does do, is enable you freely to stand up strongly for your faith in Christ, to resist public opposition and not to be ashamed.

Secondly. BE COMPANIONS OF JESUS. The religious leaders recognized Peter and John as companions of Jesus. Are we recognized as companions of Jesus? To accompany Jesus, to pattern your life on his, begins in the conscience, doing what is right in the sight of God as did Peter and John. Conscience is not just private opinion or even a private conviction. Conscience is an inner voice which directs us to do what is right in the sight of God. It demands education and formation. The gifts of the Holy Spirit in Confirmation bring light to the conscience: especially the gifts of wisdom, understanding and knowledge.

Thirdly. RECEIVE THE MISSION ENTRUSTED TO YOU AS A MEMBER OF THE CHURCH. Jesus appeared to the eleven and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart. Then he said: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” Even though we may have been unbelieving or weak in faith or hard hearted, Jesus sends the gift of the Holy Spirit Who is all powerful in overcoming the effects of sin and evil, and strengthens us in our weakness to be faithful witnesses of Christ in the world.

The Holy Spirit teaches us all that we need to know and strengthens us to do what we have to do. We are confirmed by the Spirit so that we know how to speak, but even more so that we are able to be bold companions of Jesus.

Last Update April 14, 2007