CONFIRMATION

We can compare Confirmation with two events in the New Testament. Firstly, Jesus' baptism by John, which was more like a 'confirmation'; he was already God's Son and servant, filled with the Spirit, but now he receives a special giving of the Spirit and begins his public ministry as Messiah and Saviour (Luke 3:21-22). Secondly, the Pentecost experience of the apostles; they were already disciples of Jesus, but now they are strengthened by the Spirit to go out into the world and proclaim the Good News (Acts 2:1-13).

At our confirmation, we are drawn deeper into the whole meaning of the Church, which is not just a worshipping fellowship but a community sent forth by Christ. In confirmation Jesus commissions you personally to be a living witness to him in the world.

The person being confirmed is anointed with the oil of chrism, usually by the Bishop, who says: 'Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.' The sacrament is a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit, consecrating and officially commissioning us as full members of the Church. Such a task requires strength and courage. This is why we need our personal Pentecost. The Spirit does not come to us as a mighty wind or as tongues of fire, but he does come with the same gently strengthening and trans-forming power which banishes fear and sends us out full of faith to proclaim the Lord, with special gifts for the service of Christ in his Church.

Jesus says to the confirmed Christian: 'As the Father sent me, so am I sending you' (John 20:21), and 'Be my witness throughout the world' (Acts 1:8).