Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist
What special gift from God we have received when we are baptized?
In the catholic faith, once the water was poured over the head of the person being baptized, that is the start of becoming an official member of the Church. Original sin was cleansed and will now start a new life together with Christ. It is a celebration of birth and usually, for other people, it is customary to give gifts whenever there’s an important occasion as an act of showing love. In the same way, when people experience a new life and relationship with God, He extends His gift and unconditional love through giving tremendous gifts in life as well as sanctifying grace. Therefore, by attaining this gift from God, people can now live a life like His and become sharers of His mission in this life. As what was written in Ephesians 2:8,9 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves. It is the gift of God" This starts when we received the sacrament of baptism and believed in the promise as well as the word of God.
Why the eucharistic celebrations are also called a feast of sacrifice?
During the eucharistic celebration, Christ revealed himself under the appearance of bread and wine. Through the power of the holy spirit, the priest became the instrument to perform the rites on behalf of Christ during the communion telling what He has instituted to His believers. Whenever we received the body and blood of Christ, we also accept its inexhaustible benefits as well as commemorate the sacrifices that He has done for us to be saved. He even gave His begotten Son for us believers to have eternal life as what was written in John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Thus, whenever the priest raised the consecrated chalice and host, we also give a memorial to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. We are united to share a life with Christ and attains redemption.
In your own words, why confirmation important for us?
Confirmation is a verification that we are a true member of the Church and the seal made through promises made in the baptism. It is important for us because it is a continuous relationship with God that enables us to strengthen our faith as well as perform our duty as a believer of God. In this sacrament, we have a life gifted with the Holy Spirit and helps us to attain salvation not just for ourselves but also for others. We became sharers of the mission of Christ in this world through receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It matures our soul and we are given a chance to fully accept God as well as defend our faith against the opposition. As the holy spirit lives in us, we are able to attain all things through Him, in Him, and with Him. In Acts 2:1-4 it was shown how the Holy Spirit enters and changes the life of the people through confirmation. It was written “When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Likewise, we are given gifts for seeing and acting in personal union with God. These gifts include wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, fortitude (courage), piety (devotion), and fear of the Lord (Awe). Therefore, through the sacrament of confirmation, we are permanently sealed upon our souls as children of God and sharers of His mission in life for humanity. We attain these gifts given by the Holy Spirit outpoured by God in order to serve other people and to proclaim the gospel of the Lord for the resurrection of the humanity.
