February 28
“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit on all flesh . . .” Joel 2:28
How I recall the day of my Confirmation many years ago and the simultaneous feelings of awe and fear as my study, under the strict leadership of the Sisters of St Joseph lead up to it. The church was immersed in the burning musky scent of incense, while the lights from the candles brightly burned- their reflection dancing off the smooth granite walls. Glorious celebratory organ music filled the air while the choir performed solemn songs of faith and uplifting hymns of joy. I still remember the sweet fragrance of Holy Oils as the sign of the cross was placed on my forehead, and each time I have been privileged since to have been blessed with them or with someone who has been, that cherished moment in time returns to me. I can easily bring to mind the feel of the starched material of the flowing white and red robes all my classmates and I wore! We felt such pride in earning those coveted garments. As our families and friends surrounded us that day, we were reminded that we are each part of something bigger than ourselves.
The awesome belief that God breathed His Spirit into us during this Holy Sacrament, filling us and directing our lives in a special way, was exciting, overwhelming, and to know we were safe in His arms was comforting at the same time. How special and unique we felt! With this new awareness of our importance to God, inevitably came a deep sense of responsibility - a new ownership - of the consequences of behavior and the course our lives would take. With immense sincerity, we forged forward. For me, no longer did I feel alone with the many choices to be made throughout the day or in the life changing decisions ahead of me. I had a foundation to build on and I knew God’s Spirit was with me through it all. It was easy to turn to Him and expect guidance - to expect an answer.
Then with adulthood and the ensuing greater obligations and busyness of life, this precious source of strength and direction although still present, fades from view at times and we struggle. But our faithful, compassionate God, who awaits us patiently, ready to renew our sense of purpose, ready to renew our strength and faith, answers our cry for help. He is there; standing by to respond in all His magnificence, prepared to shower our souls with His Holy Spirit! With renewed awareness of His light within us, once again we can forge forward knowing He has poured Himself into us and we know that we are never alone.
“Come Holy Ghost, creator blessed, come in our hearts and take up thy rest.”
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson