EQUIPPED FOR BATTLE

The Accolade (1901), by Edmund Leighton

"In Baptism the Christian is enlisted in the army; in Confirmation he is equipped for battle. In Baptism the Holy Spirit imparts the fullness of innocence; in Confirmation, the perfection of grace. In Baptism we are reborn to life; after Baptism we are confirmed for combat. In Baptism we are cleansed; in Confirmation we are strengthened. Baptism soothes us to peace; Confirmation rouses us to arms." (Pope St. Melchiades)

Read:
Isaiah 11:1-3
Psalm 20
John 15:26-16:14

Study:
1) Handouts:
Confirmation; The Gifts of the Holy Spirit; Martyrdom; The Holy Spirit

2) 3MC:
37 – What is Confirmation?
51 – Who is the Holy Spirit?

3) CCC 243-245, 683-741, 1127-1128, 1285-1314, 1695, 1830-1832, 2670-2672 (YOUCAT 113 - 120, 193, 203-207)

Meditate:
What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit and how do they help me lead a life worthy of heaven? How are these gifts related to the virtues? How can I cultivate the fruits of the Holy Spirit in my life? If we have received the Holy Spirit at Baptism, why do we receive Him again at Confirmation? How many times can we be "filled" with the Spirit and how can one be filled? Why is the Holy Spirit necessary to live the life God calls us to lead? What does the word witness mean in it's fullest sense?

Pray:
Lord Jesus, by Faith, I now put on the whole armor of God. I put on the Helmet of Salvation, the Breastplate of Your Righteousness, I gird myself about with the girdle of Your Truth. On my feet I put the shoes of the Gospel of Your Peace. I take up the shield of Your Faith (which surrounds me like a tent) and the sword of the Spirit (which is God’s Word). I cover myself with the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ which cleanses me from all sin and around me like a cloak is the Holy Spirit. I praise and thank You, Lord Jesus, for all that You have done for me, and I relax into You now, knowing that You are protecting me from all evil intents and purposes. Thank You Jesus. I pray also that I may yield to the gifts of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. Amen.

Imitate:
Bl. Miguel Pro

Apply:
If looking forward to Confirmation, have I prepared myself to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit who is God? If I have been confirmed, am I living by the gifts of the Holy Spirit? Do I see the fruit of God's work in my life? If not, what do I need to do to change?

Extra:
Sophia Sketchpad: Confirmation
Outside da Box: It's NOT Graduation
Catholic Encyclopedia: Confirmation
Catholic Encyclopedia: Holy Ghost
Catholic Encyclopedia: Charismata
Confirmation
How Does the Holy Spirit Work In Our Lives?

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Come Holy Spirit