Introduction
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments in the Catholic Church. But what’s the big deal? Why do Catholics go through this ritual, and what does it mean? At the heart of Confirmation is the Holy Spirit. You might have heard about the Holy Spirit in prayers, hymns, or Sunday Mass readings. Today, we’ll explore what the Holy Spirit has to do with Confirmation, focusing particularly on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit that are imparted during this sacrament.
The Holy Spirit in the Bible
Let’s start with the basics: who or what is the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is one of the three persons of the Holy Trinity, along with God the Father and God the Son (Jesus Christ). In the Bible, the Holy Spirit is often presented as a helper and guide. One of the most vivid accounts of the Holy Spirit’s work is found in the Book of Acts, where the Holy Spirit descends upon the Apostles on the day of Pentecost. The Bible describes it as: “And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit…” (Acts 2:2-4).
What is Confirmation?
So how does this relate to Confirmation? Confirmation is the sacrament through which we receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit, similar to what happened to the Apostles at Pentecost. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Confirmation “perfects Baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in the divine filiation [becoming children of God], incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church…” (CCC 1316).
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
During Confirmation, the Holy Spirit bestows upon the confirmed individual seven special gifts. These are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. But what do these words mean? Let’s break it down:
Wisdom
Wisdom helps us see things from God’s viewpoint. It’s like having a godly GPS that helps us make decisions in line with God’s will.
Understanding
This gift helps us grasp the truths of the faith more deeply. We can see how everything fits together in God’s plan, almost like a puzzle coming to life.
Counsel
Also known as “Right Judgment,” this gift helps us know what to do in tough situations, like a moral compass guiding our actions.
Fortitude
Also known as courage, this gift helps us do what is right even when it’s difficult. It’s like spiritual muscle.
Knowledge
This isn’t just knowing facts. This gift helps us see things in their proper context and relation to God. It’s a bigger-picture kind of knowledge.
Piety
Also known as reverence, piety helps us love and respect God and His Church. It’s the feeling of closeness to God that makes us want to worship Him.
Fear of the Lord
This isn’t about being scared of God. It’s about understanding the awe and wonder of God’s majesty, which moves us to do right by Him.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it this way: “They [the gifts of the Holy Spirit] complete and perfect the virtues of those who receive them. They make the faithful docile in readily obeying divine inspirations” (CCC 1831).
The Fruits of the Spirit
Apart from the gifts, the Holy Spirit also brings fruits. These are “perfections that the Holy Spirit forms in us as the first fruits of eternal glory,” and they include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, and chastity (CCC 1832).
Importance of Confirmation: Strengthening the Bond with the Church
So why is this all important? Well, Confirmation makes your bond with the Church stronger and more perfect. By receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit, you’re better equipped to participate in the Church’s mission to spread the Gospel. As the Catechism states, “By the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed” (CCC 1285).
Conclusion
Confirmation is not just a rite of passage or a Catholic version of a bar mitzvah. It is the sacrament that infuses us with the Holy Spirit and His gifts, thereby strengthening our bond with the Church and empowering us to be more effective witnesses of the faith. Through the gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord, we are equipped to navigate the complexities of life in line with God’s will. And the fruits of the Spirit help us manifest God’s love in the world.
The sacrament of Confirmation thus serves as a critical juncture, deepening our spiritual lives and fortifying us in our journey towards eternal glory. It truly is a gift—an invaluable treasure in the life of every Catholic.