I do!!

During Pentecost Sunday, we witnessed three people complete their Sacraments of Initiation by receiving the gift of Confirmation, being sealed by the Holy Spirit. I don't remember the day I received the Holy Spirit (on the calendar, not in my memory--I remember the day very well!), but I think Confirmation should always be on Pentecost. Maybe it is and I'm just late to the party. Totally possible. 

Before they received the gifts of the Holy Spirit, as is customary, we stood as a congregation to affirm them and to reaffirm our baptismal promises. I. Love. Doing. This. It makes me cry--more like gently weep--each time I do this. Because we are most often baptized as infants in the Catholic Church, it is one of the few, if only, sacraments we don't remember receiving. So, the renewal of these original promises made by my parents and godparents feels like I'm stamping a big fat YES onto the initial document. I imagine it's like renewing your wedding vows.

When I stand, I picture that I'm either in front of God, and he's asking me these questions, or in front of an executioner. My life depends on these answers. Would I stand just as proudly in front of someone wanting to kill me for my beliefs as I would in front of someone wanting to love me for them? Each time I say "I do," my heart fills up and "I can feel the love!" as my Arizona friend would say. It truly is an affirmation of faith. As the priest (or God or Executioner Man) asks, we answer.

Do you reject Satan?
 

I do.
 

And all his works?
 

I do.
 

And all his empty promises? 

I do.
 

Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth?
 

I do.
 

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?
 

I do.
 

Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting? 

I do.
 

God, the all-powerful Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and forgiven all our sins. May he also keep us faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ for ever and ever.
 

Amen.