Can we testify to the Lord? Are we willing to share our faith with others through word and deed? In working with Confirmanti on their Confirmation retreat they were asked, "What comes next? Are you going to keep practicing your faith, or are you going to stop attending church and do other things?" The kids were kind of shocked by the question. They had the choice?? Then they started wondering what the catch was. They were in charge of their faith, not their parents. They were beginning to understand.
As newly confirmed people, how did they plan on nurturing their faith? This took more discussion and self reflection. What did they need to continue to grow spiritually? How could they grow spiritually? In the course of discussion forgiveness came-up. Different types of situations needed deeper forgiveness, some situations, like murder, they were unsure that they could ever forgive. St. Paul was mentioned and the great forgiveness that Ananias had only through the help of the Holy Spirit in order to forgive Paul and to heal him. The Holy Spirit, our Advocate, our Helper, is needed daily in inspiring us to love and forgive and heal. Wow, sounds like Christ. The Spirit is here to help us carry on Christ's work.
In their written reflections, how did they decide they could be nourished in their faith? By continuing to receive Christ in the Eucharist and Gospels at mass; through sharing their faith with others, especially their younger siblings and to those random strangers who asked them questions about their faith, they would try their best; they would continue to honor their parents and families with love; they would try to live their lives as good people and in doing so, hopefully the Spirit would walk with them and they could be a light to others. They are a great group of kids. Our kids are the future of our church. May God bless them and guide them on right paths. Amen.
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