The seal of the Holy Spirit is sanctification for mission

Nov 20, 2014

IPOH (herald Malaysia): Thirty-one youths from St Michael’s Church received the Sacrament of Confirmation at the 9.00am bilingual Mass celebrated by Bishop Sebastian Francis on Nov 9. There were 14 from the English speaking group and 17 from the Mandarin speaking group. The Mass on the feastday of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica was concelebrated by SMC parish priest Fr Stephen Liew and assistant parish priest Fr Robin Andrews.

Bishop Sebastian’s homily moved many of the young people, with his zeal and missionary enthusiasm to evangelize.

Giving thanks to God, he hoped the newly confirmed would become dynamic missionaries who would bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to those people with a thirst for spirituality. When filled with the fire of the Holy Spirit, they can go, live and share the Gospel of Joy of Jesus Christ that brings the love, light and beauty of God into their lives, he said.

Bishop Sebastian said the Diocese’s plan of sending every Catholic out on “mission” into the world, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, began on Mission Sunday.

He reminded them of the enormous importance of the missionary tasks ahead.

“No matter what scandals beset the Church, the mission will succeed because it is under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

“I ask all of you to be part of this winning team because today, you receive the seal of the Holy Spirit and this sanctification is for mission.

“Being sealed means permanence, and your freedom in responding to the Holy Spirit’s call is primary to accepting the responsibility of being sent,” he said.

It would require them to co-operate with the Holy Spirit in proclaiming the unchanging Truth of Jesus Christ in ways that can reach out to others in a constantly changing world.

“Some of us can render services in the church, but this isn’t mission. Mission is in the world outside. “Celebrating the Eucharist on Sundays prepares us to go out, but we all have the task of sharing, in some way, in the service of others and teaching about God to others.

“This can be done simply by living good lives and encouraging others by word and example,” he added.

Theodatus Luke Leong, 16, said he agreed with the idea of everyone being sent on “mission”.

“As Christians, we need to spread the Word of God, and Confirmation means we are now full members of the Church.

“We just have to tell people about our faith, and I have started speaking to my non-Catholic friends already about my faith,” he said. He added that, although it was hard to convince non-believers as they tend to take things casually, he would not give up.

Patrick Alexander Tan, 16, said it was good to receive Confirmation as it gave him the strength to live his Catholic faith in the face of the challenges and difficulties of life.

“I have joined ministry as an altar server, and am also in the St Michael’s Church English youth group. During my years here, I have appreciated and admired the work of the religious brothers, especially the La Salle brothers, and would like to find out more,” he said.

Aaron Dominic Anthony, 16, who is also an altar server and youth group member, said his idea of “mission” was spreading the Good News to others. But knowing that it can be difficult, he added that he would always pray before doing so. “I have spoken to some of my non-Christian friends about being Catholic. The important thing is to have faith and trust in God,” he said.

He attributed his strong sense of faith to his mother Rita, who brings all her children to church for every Sunday Mass and on feast days of the Saints.

“She inspires me with her courage and persistence in teaching us about God, her prayerfulness and how we can be of use in the church,” he said.

After Mass, there was a fellowship breakfast for the newly confirmed and their parents. Bishop Sebastian cut a birthday cake in celebration of his birthday.