On Pentecost, June 8, five young people from our congregation will be confirmed. Confirmation is a significant step on one’s journey of faith, but what does it mean? Since the Reformation, the Lutheran Church has preserved the rite of Confirmation, but there is no distinctive “Lutheran” understanding. Confirmation has been seen as a time of instruction in the faith as outlined in the Small Catechism. It has been seen as a time to surrender your self to Christ and the rules of the Church. It has been seen as reception into church membership with a fuller presence of the Holy Spirit and participation in communion. It has been seen as a subjective acceptance of Christ as personal Lord. And, it has been seen as the completion of an education process. My own experience was becoming an adult member of the church. I finally had the opportunity to sit at the grownup table and receive communion. All of these understandings have played a role at one time or another.
If we have understood Confirmation in a variety of ways, what can we say about Confirmation in general? Confirmation is the affirmation of your Baptism. It does not imply joining the Church nor should it overshadow Baptism. Confirmation is saying “Yes” to what took place in your Baptism. It is saying “Yes” to the gift of God’s love already given. It is saying “Yes” to the Holy Spirit already present. It is saying “Yes” to the community of God’s people of which you are a part. It is saying “Yes” to discipleship and your commitment to Christ. By its very nature, Confirmation is not an unrepeatable, once-for-all act, but something that is to be done throughout your life.
On Pentecost, we will witness five young people saying “Yes” to their faith, to the gift that has been given them. Certainly, it will be a day to celebrate, but may it also be a day when we too can reaffirm our Baptism, a day when we again say “Yes” to our Lord and His grace.
Peace,
Pastor Summer
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