Confirmation: A call to action

The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that Confirmation enriches the baptized with the strength of the Holy Spirit so that they can better witness to Christ in word and deed (No. 1285). Thus it should be no surprise that in discussing Confirmation and social mission, our bishops tell us, “At Confirmation, we pray for an increase of the gifts of the Spirit in our own lives in order to serve the cause of justice and peace in Church and world.”

These words are from Sacraments and Social Mission: Living the Gospel, Being Disciples, which was published by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops last year. Here are some other excerpts from the section about Confirmation:

. . . the Spirit sends us as workers in the vineyard and instruments of the Holy Spirit in renewing the earth and promoting God’s Kingdom of justice and peace.
. . .
The Church’s missionary activity includes a “commitment to peace, development and the liberation of peoples; the rights of individuals and peoples, especially those of minorities; the advancement of women and children; safeguarding the created world,” and many other areas of action in the world (Redemptoris Missio, no. 37). 

In addition, action inspired by the Holy Spirit calls us to “bear witness to Christ by taking courageous and prophetic stands in the face of the corruption of political or economic power.”

What gifts have you been given? How are you called to use those gifts to benefit others?

NEXT: Penance and Reconciliation