We continue with our class of Lesson 14 - His Strength Will Make You Different (PT1)
1. The Gift of Knowledge - During our spiritual journey in preparation for Confirmation, you have been studying the teachings of the Church, the Sacred Scriptures (most especially the Book of the Acts of the Apostles), the Lives and writings of the Saints (Your Confirmation Patron Saint), while using your daily experiences, God continues to teach you Good from Evil - Right from Wrong. This gift is to help you do the Good & act on what is Right. The pursuit of knowledge, to better ones judgment of an object, a person, an event - anything that you encounter, show a strong connection you have with God.
a. This gift helps us to discern teachings, and teachers if they are telling the truth. It also urges us to search for the truth in order to protect and defend ourselves from false teachings. (Matthew 7:13-23)
b. The lesson of the Rich Young Man calls us to the attention of the use of our Knowledge. If I say, "I love God", then it should mean that you have sacrificed some thing or things to deepen that relationship. If you have not, it will show to those who hear your testimony, because your actions do not show this relationship with God is real. (Luke 18:8-30)
c. When we say, "I love God", it is believed that you follow His Commandments and Teachings, and try to put it into practice. (John 14:22-26)
2. The Gift of Piety - Another word for Reverence, which means to show the value or worth to an object, teaching, person, activity, an event, etc. When it comes to God, and His creations as well as inspirations, we are drawn to God by these. There is nothing wrong in acknowledging their value, since we believe they come from God. Piety is shown or exercised by how we place importance - like on a Sunday, I God to Mass not because I am told, but this urge to be close to God, to learn from God, and to love God. It looks like a PRACTICE, but it turns into a habit, a wanting, an action that comes from my heart and mind. Part of our Piety is connected to how we treat our parents, siblings, our teachers, and mentors, and people.
a. Jesus reminds us in the Prayer of the Our Father: God is First, our Neighbor is Second, we should be last, because we think of the other person who needs us. (Matthew 6:9-15)
3. The Gift of the Fear of the Lord - Also known as the experience of Wonder and Awe, helps me to avoid any chances I may have in offending or displeasing God. This extends to those who are close to us: Family, friends, our neighbors (It includes our enemies - are they really?), even life on this world (the pets in your care, the land, our natural surroundings, etc).
a. The Fear of the Lord helps me to recognize the value of our relationship with God and Neighbor. (Matthew 5:27-30)
b. The woman who lived a sinful life, searches for the Lord in order to change her life. (Luke 7:36-50)
II - Grace and Gifts are needed to know, love, and respond to God.
1. The Grace and Gifts given to us in Confirmation, help us to respond to God, and to His call to service. At the same time, my soul and body are transformed towards Him who saves me. This transformation continues to grow in me by way of my Worship, in other words, you look to Him as worthy for your surrender. I loving surrender, not as a slave who is forced, but one who freely gives God their life.The act of Worship is
a. Our participation and attention to Mass every Sunday, and weekday.
b. When we receive Him in Communion, and visit Him at Church before the Tabernacle or Monstrance at Holy Hour.
c. When we come to Him in the Sacrament of Confession - Monthly.
d. By following a structure of daily prayer: Morning, Afternoon, Evening, Night, a Devotion, etc. We must be consistent in your prayer.
Let us pray:
