Confirmation: Sharing
the Gifts of the Holy SpiritTHEME 5
Thinking About Words
I use words every day to communicate to others my thoughts. ideas, and feelings. Through words I tell others what I know, express opinions, describe plans. My words let people see that I am happy or sad, excited or calrn, troubled or lighthearted. With words I can make others laugh, offer comfort, and build friendships.
Sometimes my words hurt others. They can cause someone to become upset and worried. They can bring disappointment, crush hopes, create an unfriendly atmosphere. My words can mislead when they allow others to think sornethiing that is not really true.
Sometimes it is hard to find the right words to express what I really think or feel. At such times. I wish that my mind or heart could speak for itself. For example. what might I like to say in the following situations?
A friend misses a foul shot and we lose a game by one point.
My best friend is moving to another state.
I have been invited to a party and my parents say I can?t go.
A classmate's father dies.
Searching for Meaning
Scripture tells us that the Apostles could not always find words to express what Jesus meant to them. At times, they were not able to show to others that they believed in Jesus and everything He had taught them.
The way the Apostles acted after Jesus? death makes that clear. When Jesus, who had given the apostles strength and courage by everything He said and did, was no longer with them, they felt sad and confused. They remained together. They said nothing about Jesus to outsiders.
The promise Jesus had made to the Apostles at the Last Supper had not yet changed their lives. That promise is found in the gospel according to John, Chapter 14, verses 16 and 17:
A Promise Fulfilled
The promise Jesus made to the Apostles to send the Holy Spirit became real to them at Pentecost. Chapter 2 of the Acts of the Apostles tells us that on the day of Pentecost the Apostles were together in one place. Suddenly, they heard a noise that sounded like a strong wind blowing. The sound filled the whole house where they were staying. “Then they saw what looked like tongues of fire spreading out; and each person there was touched. . . . They were all fIlled with the Holy Spirit . .“ (Acts 2:3—4).
As I read the account of the first Pentecost, I find that the Scripture writer used two images to suggest the presence of? the Holy Spirit. They are wind and tongues of fire. Why might those two images have been chosen? What qualities of wind make it an appropriate sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit?
What qualities of fire make it an appropriate image of the presence of the Holy Spirit?
Are there other ways to represent the presence of the Holy Spirit? What image might I select? If I were to represent the presence of the Holy Spirit, what would I choose? Why?Changed By The Promise
At Pentecost the Apostles were filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit. They were no longer afraid. They could truly say, ‘‘I believe in Jesus.?” At last they understood Jesus? message.
Together they could look back on Jesus words and actions that had once confused them. They realized what Jesus life was all about. Their minds and hears were opened by faith. The Apostles believed in Jesus and His message. They wanted everyone to know Jesus as they now understood Him. They were able to put their beliefs into words. They wanted to put their words into action.The Acts of the Apostles tells us that at Pentecost Peter addressed a large group ol people Who had gathered outside the house after hearing a loud noise. He told them that God had raised Jesus who had been crucifled. He spoke to them of Jesus and His message. He proclaimed Jesus Lord and Messiah.
Peter told the people that Jesus’ promise to send the Spirit was made to everyone. They, too, would receive the Spirit. A new and wonderful future awaited all people: they. too, would share in that future. Peter gave new hope to the people who listened. He invited all present to accept the good news of Jesus, to be baptized. and to receive the gift of God?s Spirit. He asked them to go forth and witness to their new faith. Peter asked the people to do what he directed them to do because
(Acts 2:39).Making Pentecost Present
The promised Spirit came to the Apostles at Pentecost. That event was recorded in Scripture for all people to read and accept down through thc centuries. The Spirit will come to me again in a special way in the Sacrament of Confirmation. This coming of the Holy Spirit may be less dramatic than it was at Pentecost but it will be no less real or no less important in my life. The Holy Spirit wilI strengthen me to witness to Christ and help renew the world through faith and love. I may truly say that, to me Confirmation makes Pentecost present.
During the Confirmation ceremony the bishop wifl speak of Pentecost. He will pray that everyone present may share in the new hope and the new future that Pentecost brought to many people many years ago. This will be his prayer:
God our Father
you sent your Holy Spirit upon the Apostles
and through them and their successors
you give the Spirit to your people.
May his work begun at Pentecost
continue to grow ill the hearts of all who believeWe ask this through Christ our Lord.
As I prepare for Confirmation, my parish church asks me to proclaim the kingdom of God to others through a service project. It asks me to show by my actions that I believe in Jesus and His message.
A service project is an expression of the values and attitudes that are called for by the gospel message. How might I bring Jesus? message of love to others? Do I want to answer some need within my family? Within my community? Within my parish? Whom might I serve?
Where can my talents, skills, and interests best serve others?
In what situation do I think I can truly be a witness to Jesus?
Would I like to prepare myself to be a confirmed Christian by____ being responsible for a task at home
_____ making something for my family to enjoy helping someone with school work
_____ helping in a scouting program, coaching in an athletic program, doing volunteer work in a library, collecting and repairing toys for needy children
____ organizing a food or clothing drive for people in need
____ organizing a walkathon to help support a person or a group in need
____ organizing a bake sale or a talent show and giving the profits to someone in need
____ teaching a craft to a group of senior citizens____helping in the parish religious education program caring for the altar and sanctuary
____ helping to beautify my parish church.
In the list I have just read, there may just right for me. There may be two or appeal to me. Or the list may give me a service project.
As I am deciding on a service project, I might ask myself whether I want to do my service project by myself. Or do I want to work with a group of friends? Which is the better way for me? How much time do I have to give to a service project?
Can I work on it every day? Or only on Saturdays?I may ask myself many other questions before I decide on a service project. I may also ask the help of several people before I come to a final decision. Since my service project is an important part of my preparation for Confirmation, I want to plan it well so that I can do it well. By my service project, I shall be saying to myself and to the people of my parish, “Yes, the gospel message means something to me. Pentecost means something to me. I, too, want to witness to Christ and to help renew the world.”