THIS IS MY DESIRE - To Be Used By You (Lesson 9)

LAST WEEK: We studied about the SEAL that marks us as follower of Christ. We learned that this SEAL confirms that your soul has been imprinted with His mark as a follower of Christ. We call this an INDELIBLE mark. 

1. The word INDELIBLE means a mark like an "embossed stamp", used to show authenticity of the sender. It could be an Government Official on a Important Matter or an agreement between to parties -  See pic for detail. 

a. It can have a figure, symbol, word or letter, to show its authenticity. 

b. The item used to make this seal can be a medallion, a ring, a stamp that can be pressed on wax, paper, lead, or anything that will show the engraved mark. 

This INDELIBLE mark or IMPRINT cannot be removed from the paper. The same can be said for our Body and Soul, when we receive the IMPRINT of Christ at Baptism, and later at Confirmation. Also, the Sacrament of Holy Orders leaves an INDELIBLE mark on the man who chooses to answer Christ's Call to be a Priest (Matthew 3:13-17). Christ gave the authority to the Church, through Bishops and Priests, to IMPRINT us with the that SEAL. This IMPRINT makes His Name, His Body & Blood, His teachings, His Mission, all that is His, present as we continue His work. 

I - Confirmation IMPRINTS a character on our souls.

1. This character means that we are one with Christ as Priest, Prophet (Teacher), and King. 

a. As Priest, we have the strength to journey with Christ in His suffering, and the courage to let go of things that take us away from our Spiritual Journey with Him. To LET GO means that I sacrifice these pleasures for gain of His strength. 

b. As Prophet, or shall we say Teacher, we allow the Spirit to move us towards learning. By our studies, and practice of the Christian Faith, we can be strong in facing obstacles against our beliefs, to discern the Truth, and the Wisdom to communicate it with all. 

c. As King, our knowledge, wisdom, and practice of our faith in Christ, help us in taking the role of Leader in areas where family, friends, and neighbors need us the most. Christ will shine through you, and that light will be a bridge for a person to want to know the Lord, who fills you with His Joy and Purpose. Here, the Christian can also deal with the problem of BAD EXAMPLES, forgive them, understand them, even provide ways for change. A person who hates Christianity, or who hates you for being a Christian, may be moved by you to know Jesus, when you least expect it. 

II - How does the New Testament authors write about Christ's Teaching on this INDELIBLE mark?

1. In our studies, we've learned that through the Sacrament of Confirmation, Christ gives us Sanctifying Grace. The INDELIBLE mark is on my soul, and shows through my actions - like a embossed mark visible on paper. The Holy Spirit moves me with Strength to speak about what Christ has done in my life - here is where I share the Catholic with family, friends, neighbors, and all those who may be against Christ. 

a. Christ compares the Disciples to Salt and Light: Matthew 5:13-16

b. Christ Invites All to Himself - He can use you to bring people to Him: Matthew 11:25-30

c. Christ calls us to Love Him and Keep His Commandments: John 14:15-21

d. Christ is the Vine - We are His Branches: John 15:1-6

e. The Christian who loves Christ, must love their neighbor: John 15:12-17

f. The Holy Spirit will move you to act and speak: John 16:5-15

2. When we receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, we receive what is called a CHARACTER, which means:

a. We have the Courage to be Witnesses to Christ & His helpers to bring Holiness to the World.

b. We are joined into image and sacrifices of His Priesthood. 

i. The Apostles is a Witness: John 15:26-27

ii. St. Paul's Mission is inspired by the Holy Spirit: Acts 13:2-6

iii. St. Paul is protected by the Holy Spirit: Acts 20:22-28

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HOMEWORK # 10 - Due Sunday

I - Reflection Question

1. Using the notes (I:1 - Priest, Prophet, and King), name one thing you need to sacrifice in order to be better person? Why?

II - Read Acts of the Apostles Chapter 17 & 18 - Answer these questions

1.  Whose house did the mob march on? Why? 

2. Who began the commotion during St. Paul’s visit? 

3. Who did Paul debate with in Athens?

4. When Paul spoke to the philosophers and believers at the Areopagus, he mentions an altar that was inscribed – what was inscribed on that Altar?

5.  Who was the person that ordered the Jews to leave Rome? Who is he? (Use the Internet)

6.  Who was the speaker that was the native from Alexandria? 

III - Choosing Saint Name & Sponsor. 

In the 2nd Year of Confirmation, we ask the Confirmandi to choose their Patron Saint. Some take a different one in the 1st Year. Other Confirmandi's like to write a little bit more about their Saint or new Saint they are choosing. Read carefully

Use these links to help you find the Saint you are looking for: 
www.Catholic.org
www.Es.Catholic.net

1. What is the name of your Saint? What year was your Saint born, and died? What was the cause of death? 

2. Give 3 to 5 reasons why you are choosing this Saint? 

3. Is there a prayer or prayers for this Saint? Please post it. 

4. Is there a Church in the 5 Boroughs of New York named after this Saint? 

5. Is this Saint a Patron? Please tell us what is this Saint the Patron of?