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This weekend, we pick up where we left off explaining the sacrament of Confirmation, using The Catechism of the Catholic Church as our main text. This section instructs on the Signs and The Rite of Confirmation.

1293: In treating the rite of Confirmation, it is fitting to consider the sign of anointing and what it signifies and imprints: a spiritual seal. Anointing, in Biblical and other ancient symbolism, is rich in meaning: oil is a sign of abundance and joy; see in Scriptures: Deuteronomy 11:14 and Psalms 23:5 and 104:15. It cleanses (anointing before and after a bath) and limbers (the anointing of athletes and wrestlers); oil is a sign of healing, since it is soothing to bruises and wounds; Isaiah 1:6 and Luke 10:34 and it makes radiant with beauty, health, and strength.

1294: Anointing with oil has all these meanings in the sacramental life. The anointing before baptism during the baptism ceremony with the oil of catechumens signifies cleansing and strengthening; the anointing of the sick expresses healing and comfort. The anointing after baptism during the ceremony of baptism with sacred chrism in Confirmation and ordination is the sign of consecration. By Confirmation Christians, that is, those who are anointed, share more completely in the mission of Jesus Christ and the fullness of the Holy Spirit with which he is filled, so that their lives may give off “the aroma of Christ” as we read in 2 Corinthians 2:15.

1295: By this anointing the confirmand receives the “mark,” the seal of the Holy Spirit. A seal is a symbol of a person, a sign of personal authority, or ownership of an object. We can read about this in the Bible in Genesis 38:18 and 41:42 and again in Deuteronomy 32:34. Hence soldiers were marked with their leader’s seal and slaves with their master’s. A seal authenticates a juridical act or document and occasionally makes it secret as noted in 1 Kings 21:8; Jeremiah 32:10 and Isaiah 29:11.

1296: Christ himself declared that he was marked with his Father’s seal in John 6: 27. Christians are also marked with a seal: “It is God who establishes us with you in Christ and has commissioned us; he has put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee” as stated in 2 Corinthians 1:21-22. This seal of the Holy Spirit marks our total belonging to Christ, our enrollment in his service for ever, as well as the promise of divine protection in the great eschatological trial. Commentary: This is why after Baptism and again after Confirmation no priest nor bishop can ignore, that is pretend to take away, the effects of Baptism and Confirmation, making the person one with God and his Roman Catholic Church.

The celebration of Confirmation:
1297: The consecration of the sacred chrism is an important action that precedes the celebration of Confirmation, but is in a certain way a part of it. It is the bishop who, in the course of the Chrism Mass of Holy Thursday, consecrates the sacred chrism for his whole diocese. Commentary: This Mass is open to the public Tuesday of Holy Week at the Cathedral in Jefferson City; it is a Mass where the priests recommit their promises and the oils are blessed. Please attend this year if possible.

1298: When Confirmation is celebrated separately from Baptism, as is the case in the Roman Rite, the Liturgy of Confirmation begins with the renewal of baptismal promises and the profession of faith by the confirmands. This clearly shows that Confirmation follows Baptism. When adults are baptized, they immediately receive Confirmation and then participate in the Eucharist for the first time.

1299: In the Roman Rite the bishop extends his hands over the whole group of the confirmands. Since the time of the apostles this gesture has signified the gift of the Spirit. The bishop invokes the outpouring of the Spirit in these words: “All-powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by water and the Holy Spirit you freed your sons and daughters from sin and gave them new life. Send your Holy Spirit upon them to be their helper and guide. Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence. Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord.”

1300: The essential rite of the sacrament follows. In the Latin rite, “the sacrament of Confirmation is conferred through the anointing with chrism on the forehead, which is done by the laying on of the hand, and through the words: Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit. This was given to us by Pope Paul VI in the apostolic constitution, Divinae consortium naturae, 663.

1301: The sign of peace that concludes the rite of the sacrament signifies and demonstrates ecclesial communion with the bishop and with all the faithful.

Please reflect on your own Confirmation or the Confirmation you will receive in the future. What is the Holy Spirit inspiring you to do with the gift you have received?