Sermon for Confirmation Mass: Receiving the Spirit of Power, Love, and Sobriety

Dear faithful, esteemed parents, godparents, witnesses, and above all, you, dear candidates for confirmation!

Today's celebration is an extremely solemn and joyful moment for all of us. We look at you today, young people, who, preparing to receive the sacrament of confirmation, are taking another conscious step on the path of faith. It is a day when the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit that dwelt in Mary, the Apostles, and countless saints throughout history, comes to strengthen you, fill you with Himself, and prepare you to bear witness to Christ more fully in the world.

What is Confirmation and Why is it So Important?

The sacrament of confirmation, also called the sacrament of Christian maturity, is inextricably linked to baptism. While baptism regenerates us to divine life, making us children of God, confirmation strengthens this life, seals it, and enables us to responsibly profess the faith and build up the Church.

Confirmation is Receiving the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Holy Trinity, God present among us. He is the Comforter, Guide, Giver of life. In the sacrament of confirmation, we receive the fullness of those seven gifts, which – as the tradition of the Church says – are special graces, abilities that allow us to live in a way that imitates Christ. These are:

Gift of Wisdom – which allows us to see the world through God's eyes, to evaluate things and events according to God's truth.
Gift of Understanding – which helps us to delve into the mysteries of faith, to understand revealed truths.
Gift of Counsel – which suggests to us how to act in specific situations, how to choose good and avoid evil.
Gift of Fortitude – which strengthens us in good, gives courage in overcoming difficulties, adversities, and dangers, especially those related to bearing witness to the faith.
Gift of Knowledge – which allows us to properly use the goods of this world, not attaching ourselves to them excessively and seeing in them a path to God.
Gift of Piety – which awakens in us a deep attachment to God, a desire for prayer and a life in accordance with His will.
Gift of Fear of the Lord – which is not fear, but permeates us with a deep respect for God, an awareness of His greatness and holiness, as well as a reluctance to sin.

Confirmation is a Sign of Holy Chrism

The anointing with holy chrism on the forehead by the bishop is a visible sign of this inner transformation. Chrism, a mixture of oil and fragrant balm, symbolizes unity with Christ – the Anointed One of God. This anointing makes you, in a sense, "baptized a second time," but in a more mature way, clothing you with the Holy Spirit for the mission of witnessing.

Your Witness as the Spirit of Power, Love, and Sobriety

Saint Paul the Apostle writes in the Letter to Timothy that "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control" (2 Tim 1:7). These words are an excellent summary of the gifts you receive today and a guide to how you should live.

Power

The power of the Holy Spirit is not physical strength or power over others. It is the power to resist evil, to persevere in good, to boldly proclaim the Gospel in word and deed. It is the power to love those who are difficult to love, to forgive, to create community. How are you to show this power in your life?

Through the courage to live according to the Gospel, even when it is unpopular.
Through perseverance in prayer, which is a source of strength.
Through involvement in the life of the Church, the community of believers.
Through helping those in need, through building justice and peace.

Love

Love is the heart of the Gospel. The Holy Spirit is the Love that binds God and man. His love in you is to be sacrificial, unconditional love that seeks the good of the other person. How do you show this love?

In daily relationships with family, friends, colleagues.
In respect for every human being, regardless of their views or origin.
In patience, understanding, and kindness.
In readiness to serve, to devote your own time and energy to others.

Sobriety

The sobriety that Paul speaks of is not just avoiding alcohol or drugs. It is primarily self-control, control over one's passions, thoughts, words, and deeds. It is the ability to distinguish between good and evil, between what is fleeting and what is eternal.

Learn to control your emotions, anger, envy.
Shape your thoughts, caring for purity and goodness.
Be prudent in your choices, listening to the voice of conscience and the teachings of the Church.
Avoid selfish attitudes, focused only on yourself.

Your Responsibility as Confirmed

Confirmation is not just receiving gifts, but also accepting responsibility. The Holy Spirit enables you to become witnesses of Christ in the world. It is a call to active participation in the mission of the Church.

What does it mean to be a witness of Christ?

To be a witness of Christ is primarily to live the Gospel. Your life, your attitudes, your choices – this is the most powerful message. It is showing others that faith in Jesus Christ gives life meaning, joy, and hope.

Today, as you receive this holy anointing, remember that the Holy Spirit is present in you. It is not a power that works by itself, without your participation. It needs your openness, your prayer, your effort.

Tips for Candidates:

Constantly ask for the Holy Spirit. Let daily prayer be a space for meeting with Him.
Listen to His inspirations. The Holy Spirit speaks to us through the Holy Scriptures, through the teachings of the Church, through the voice of conscience, through the people He puts in our path.
Act in the power of the Spirit. Get involved in the life of the parish, in the apostolate, in serving others.
Do not be afraid to call yourselves Christians. Be proud of your faith and ready to profess it.
Remember your parents and godparents. Their faith was the foundation for your preparation. Thank them and ask for their continued support.
Support each other as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Conclusion

Dear candidates! Today is your big day. You receive the Holy Spirit, who enables you to live the fullness of Christian life. May the power, love, and sobriety of this Spirit permeate your hearts, minds, and deeds.

May the example of the Mother of God, who full of the Holy Spirit traversed the paths of faith, be an inspiration to you. May the prayers of your loved ones and the entire Church support you.

May the Holy Spirit, who today in a special way descends upon you, strengthen you, guide you, and sanctify you, so that you may be true and courageous witnesses of Christ in the world. Amen.