As the Easter Season comes to a close on Pentecost Sunday, we hear how the Apostles received a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit.  For three years they personally followed Jesus witnessing his work through the miracles, the physical healings and the spiritual healings.  They learned of the Son’s relationship to the Father and knew he was the long-awaited messiah.  Knowing something is one thing, but boldly proclaiming the truth when doing so could result in persecution and eventually martyrdom is another.  While Jesus was with them, they could see him and had the strength to help carry out his mission.  But now that he had left them, and after witnessing his horrible murder, they were afraid for their own lives.  Now they find themselves in the upper room with the Blessed Virgin Mary.  Could she have interceded for them?  

When the Holy Spirit descends upon them in that upper room, a grace is given that enables them to move from a place of fear and anxiety to courage and strength, equipping them to go out into the world.  This then is their sacrament of confirmation and real spiritual growth takes place.  They go from the graces they received at their baptism, to sharing those graces with others by boldly proclaiming the Gospel.

Through the sacrament of Confirmation, we too are enabled to move on from apprehension and fear to witness.  The best way we can witness is by living out our vocation in life faithfully and bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to those whom God has entrusted to us with this mission.  May we emulate the apostles by trusting the Holy Spirit to guide us on our mission and remaining close to our Blessed Mother, inviting her into our lives by praying the Rosary daily. Be assured that she can intercede for us just as she did for the apostles two thousand years ago.

By Deacon Dave Arms