Monday of the Third Week of Easter
This week eighteen youth at our parish will receive the sacrament of Confirmation. During their time of preparation over the past eight months they have learned many things about Jesus, the Church and their faith. Now, in order to put into action the truths that they have received, they turn to the Lord for the outpouring of His Holy Spirit. Today’s readings illustrate how it is the Holy Spirit who allows followers of Jesus not only to believe in Him, but to live lives that challenge the ways of the world. It is the Holy Spirit who transforms disciples into people so different, so radical, that other people take notice.
In the first reading today, Stephen “was working great wonders and signs among the people.” (Acts 6: 8) He proclaimed his faith in Jesus, and because of the “wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke” (Act 6: 10) the Jews who were challenged by what he said could not withstand the power of his words. It was the Holy Spirit that allowed Stephen to live out his faith in word and deed, even unto the point of his death. Because the Holy Spirit was so alive in him, those who looked at Stephen intently “saw that his face was like the face of an angel.” (Acts 6:15) People around him recognized something very “holy” about Stephen because of the Spirit within him.
In the gospel reading, Jesus travels to Capernaum after feeding the five thousand. The crowds wonder where He has gone and eventually find Him. Jesus is aware that the people are clamoring to see Him “because you saw signs” not because “you are looking for me.” (John 6:26) When they ask Him about the works of God, Jesus tells them, “This is the work of God that you believe in the one He sent.” (John 6:29) Jesus wants the people to know it is not the signs or miracles that are important. To be His disciple, you must first believe in Jesus and the Father. Secured in this faith, and then strengthened by His Spirit, Jesus then tells His disciples to go forth and share the faith. It is only when they are filled with the Spirit that the disciples perform the signs and wonders that proclaim the faith that they believe in.
Because Stephen is filled with the Spirit, his appearance makes him look different- not like he was of this world. Do people look at us and notice by the way we talk and act that we are “different” because of our faith? I know that being different-not like everyone else around me- can be a challenging position to be in. Like many people, I want to belong, to fit in, and not stand out. But is this how Jesus calls us to be? I think it is even more challenging for our youth to be able to live lives of faith that “stand apart” from the culture of the world that they live in. Peer pressure, belonging, and being accepted are so much a part of their lives. I think that that our Church chooses to celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation as these young people head into high school because it is the Holy Spirit that will empower them to live as disciples of Jesus amidst the many evils that may test their faith. Although I have already been Confirmed, I know I must also rely upon the Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit that gives me the wisdom to know what words to use in sharing my faith, and the courage to speak even when I know this may bring derision or hostility from those around me. My work is to believe in Jesus and share this belief with others by living my life in imitation of Him. If I don’t speak and act in ways that make me “different”, then no one will notice, and no one will listen, and no one else will come to know Jesus. It is not just about me, but my faith convicts me that it is in community- with others- that we bring about the kingdom of God. It is His Spirit that will lead us on.
As the youth receive Confirmation this Wednesday, I will not only be praying for each of them, but praying for every follower of Christ. May His Spirit strengthen our faith and through His gifts may we boldly go forth and share this faith with the world.
Heavenly Father, pour down your Holy Spirit upon us. May our lives be so radiant with your life within us that people take notice. May our faith in your Son be lived out in word and deed, so all may see your glory. We pray this through Christ our LORD.
AMEN
Marylynn Herchline