Liturgy Lesson for St. Barnabas the Apostle: Confirmation
June 6, 2008
Confirmation is administered to those who are baptized and have come to the “years of discretion” – meaning they can understand and answer the questions contained in the Catechism and are willing to renew and ratify the promises made at their Baptism. The word confirmation means to seal, sign or make strong – and is the outward and visible means God employs to convey to us the empowerment and inward, spiritual grace of the Holy Ghost via the Apostolic ministry of our bishop’s laying on of hands, as first mentioned in Acts 8. It’s our license to take the Holy Communion, which is limited to those who have been confirmed or are ready and willing to be confirmed. Sometimes referred to as the “ordination of the laity,” this rite is best described by the bishop’s prayer for the confirmand, “Defend O Lord, this thy Child with thy heavenly grace; that he(she) may continue thine forever; and daily increase in thy Holy Spirit, more and more, until he(she) come unto thy everlasting kingdom, amen.” Likewise, we lay hands to receive into our communion those who were already confirmed in other apostolic faiths – not just formally admitting them to fellowship, but asking God the Holy Ghost to empower them to His purpose in the Kingdom of God. May God be now, and evermore, our home and defense and may the Holy Ghost increase in us all!
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[...] for St. Barnabas the Apostle: Confirmation Posted in June 6th, 2008 by admin in Uncategorized Liturgy Lesson for St. Barnabas the Apostle: Confirmation … faiths – not just formally admitting them to fellowship, but asking God the Holy Ghost to [...]