In the first series of these reflections last year, I dealt with the first “sacrament of initiation,” that is, Baptism. The second one is Confirmation.  In this separate sacrament the initial graces of Baptism are completed and strengthened in a special and mysterious way.  Just to be baptized, while sufficient for salvation, by itself “is not enough” for the Catholic Christian believer.  We yearn for more grace, and God bestows it!

To be honest, we don’t really know how or why this is.  But from the beginnings of the Church we have shared a special fascination with the powerful initiative of the Holy Spirit.  Even before the Christian Scriptures were composed, the community of the Church remembered the wonders of the first Pentecost after Christ Jesus’ resurrection.  The imagery of mighty wind and tongues of flame reflect the Spirit’s impact (see the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2, verses 1-4).  The variety of spiritual gifts which God bestows for the good of the Church is impressive (see 1 Corinthians, chapter 12, verses 4-11).

One thing I think all of us should do is try to identify the workings of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  What more-or-less unique spiritual gift or blessing has the Lord granted to you?  How has our community of faith been enriched through you?