Published in the bulletin of Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Knoxville, TN, on the 5th Sunday of Ordinary Time.

My dear Parishioners,

Peace! There are seven (7) In Brief passages in the Catechism of the Catholic Church regarding the Sacrament of Confirmation. The following is a reflection on article 1317.

Jesus Christ established His one only Church during His earthly life and ministry. Jesus Christ also instituted the Seven Sacraments which He entrusted to His Church for our salvation and growth in holiness and grace. Certain sacraments are able to be received only one time due to the specific graces they give (cf. Ephesians 4:5). Baptism and Confirmation both impart an ‘indelible character’ or ‘spiritual sign’ upon the soul, marking us as belonging to God in a special way (cf. 2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 4:30).

I once heard the Bishop of Tyler, Texas, speaking to young people from his diocese about the permanent mark given in these sacraments, like the branding of cattle. There are, of course, differences: sacraments are for people (not bovines); the brand on a steer passes with the decay of the creature while to our glory in Heaven or our shame in Hell the character given in Baptism and Confirmation endures for all eternity.

Another consideration might include indelible laundry markers, like those used to identify your laundry when going to summer camp. The difference between the marks made in the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation are spiritual and enduring, while those made with the laundry pen last only as long as the garment.

In order that we might recognize His Church throughout the ages Christ the Lord established His Church with distinguishing marks: One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic. So too we are each individually marked by His sacraments which identify us as belonging to Him. Consider some other distinguishing features: ‘golden arches’ for the hungry, an apple with a bite out of it for the computer savvy or the juxtaposed letters VW for the automobile. When we see these we know what to expect. The good God likewise has expectations when it comes to His creatures. When God’s expectations are even greater when He sees our souls, marked by His grace through Baptism and Confirmation. God gives to the baptized and confirmed the graces needed to correspond to His holy and saving will for us. Those who conform their lives to God’s holy will recognize the words of the Gospel: “Good and faithful servant, because you have been faithful… enter into the joy of the Lord” (cf. Matthew 25:21). The contrary is no less true. Those who spurn, reject and refuse to conform their lives to God’s holy will have a different fate: “be cast out into the exterior darkness, where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (cf. Matthew 25:31).

The singular graces given in Baptism and Confirmation are enduring, able to be called upon throughout our lives, renewed by our fidelity to the Eucharist and Penance worthily received. Baptism and Confirmation set us apart, consecrated to the service of the Lord alone (cf. Galatians 2:19).

God bless you!

Father John Arthur Orr