How many of us can point to a part of sacred scriptures and say, “Here is is a reference to some of the seven sacraments”? In today’s firs reading we hear of two sacraments, baptism, and confirmation. In the Catechism one of the effects of confirmation is “a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witness of Christ.” (1303) Those of us who have been confirmed should be prepared as Peter reminds us, to “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.” How well do we know our faith so as to explain it to others? Do we make any effort to learn it better?
Jesus says in the Gospel, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Jesus breaks the multitude of directives into two, love of God and love of neighbor. Part of how we love God is to seek to know him better. Part of how we love our neighbor is to share our faith with them in being ready to give reasons for our hope. In doing so God gives us the opportunity to live out our gift of confirmation.
Countenance of God 