January 30, 2012 – Catechism 1293-1301

I like the list of characteristics of oil.  When thinking about confirmation and getting prepared for a new step in your faith, these characteristics are good to reflect on before receiving them.  It cleanses, limbers, heals, and makes beautiful.  What a great way to enter into Confirmation.  The understanding that you are going to be cleansed and healed.  It will help you be limber for the exercises ahead.  It makes you beautiful in the sight of God.  What a beautiful symbol of the Grace that is being given. 

Does your life give off the “aroma of Christ”.  That is a good way to reflect on how you are living.  An aroma does not take any speaking or action to accomplish, it is just there, all the time, for people to sense.  What aroma do you give off to the people around you. 

We become sealed and committed to God’s work.  This has two sides to it.  Our commitment to act is one side.  The other side is God’s promise to be our protection as we do that work.  It feels like many times people give up or lose hope because they lose sight of this second part of the agreement.  We can rely on God for His strength and help, if we are doing His work.  That promise of protection will never waiver.

The prayer the Bishop prays over those being confirmed is a beautiful prayer for strength.  It seems like one that could be tweaked a bit for a daily prayer for strength.