Beloved Family:
Dearly beloved, let us pray to God the almighty Father, for these, has adopted sons and daughters, already born again to eternal life in Baptism, that he will graciously pour out the Holy Spirit upon them to confirm them with his abundant gifts, and through his anointing conform them more fully to Christ, the Son of God.
These words are spoken by the Celebrant of the Sacrament of Confirmation—ordinarily a bishop—as part of the Rite called “The Laying on of Hands.” This ancient practice is described in multiple places in Sacred Scripture, including Acts 19:6a: “And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them...” This ritual action can be carried out over individuals or as a group. In either case, it mirrors the Epiclesis: the moment during Mass when the priest extends his hands, palms down, over the bread and wine to ask that the Holy Spirit sanctify them so they become the Body and Blood of Christ.
This weekend, as we rejoice with the young men and ladies from Saint Mary and Saint Agnes who are receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation at our church, may we all take the opportunity to allow the Spirit within us to be stirred into flame (to paraphrase 2 Timothy 1:6)—in other words, rekindle a personal relationship with the Third Person of the Holy Trinity. After all, He’s not a mascot we take out once a year at Pentecost. He dwells within us. He inspires us to virtuous action. He prays in us, as the Word of God attests:
In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because it intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will. Romans 8:26-27
On a rather different note, here is the question. When is the last time you made a visit to a cemetery? Some people quite regularly travel to a cemetery where loved ones are buried. Others possibly go out when a funeral has been attended, for the Rite of Committal. Still others likely are hesitant or simply have not had much occasion. One very appropriate activity, on All Souls Day but really throughout November is to do just that. One parishioner recently shared with me that when she drives past a cemetery—whether Catholic or not—she offers a Hail Mary. A very traditional and common prayer one can offer is:
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
Let His Peace be with you,
Fr. Stephen
