“Confirmation and First Communion”
Father Peter Fitzgibbons
May 18-19, 2019
Scripture: John 13:31-35
31) When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32) If God has been glorified in him God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. 33) Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ 34) I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35) By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
The Sacraments are Christ’s own gifts that provide us with His grace. The Sacraments build upon each other; for example, as children, we grow spiritually through our baptism, confirmation, penance, and first communion. The first time we saw Jesus was at our baptism which is when we became children of God and began preparing to receive the other Sacraments. Confirmation unites us closer to Him, because as we learn more about our faith, we understand just how much God loves us. His love enables us to bear our crosses and to profess our faith to others. You are a witness in the world by showing others how you bear your crosses. But, you must have fortitude (courage), because you will suffer for the faith. People will insult you….even so, you must carry your cross and bear the insults with grace. The Sacrament of First Communion strengthens us as we receive Christ’s body and blood. Holy Communion unites us even closer to Him.
Next month, I celebrate 35 years as a priest. Am I the same? No. I have less hair and more weight. When I eat carrots, am I happy? No. Are carrots good for me? Yes. We all got polio shots when we were young. Did I understand what the shot did? No. Did the shot help me? Yes. It is the same when we do God’s work…we may not feel good doing it, we may not understand it, and it may be hard, but it’s good for us.
Will you feel different next week now that you have been confirmed or received First Communion? Yes. Does that mean you will be happier? No. I have asked married couples if they are as happy today as they were on their wedding day. They say “No”…It is better, because they have grown in love…but, it’s different. Confirmation and First Communion are not stopping places in your Catholic life. You should grow in faith; otherwise, it becomes dusty and moldy. To grow in your faith and love for God, practice the virtues of faith, hope, and charity. Do good and avoid evil. God gives us the gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord. We will need those gifts in times of trouble. But His gifts are not overpowering….YOU must choose to use them.
Parents are the primary teachers of the faith. They are fulfilling their duties by bringing you up in the Catholic faith. Thank your parents, grandparents, and teachers. They have helped bring you to this day. Finally, pray a prayer of thanksgiving. Sadly, it is rarely said.
Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits and blessings which you have given me, for all the pains and insults which you have borne for me. Merciful Friend, Brother and Redeemer, may I know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day. Saint Richard of Chichester (1198-1253)
How will you apply this message to your life? Will you use the gifts He has given us to grow in faith and love?