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“Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.”
After the resurrection, Jesus appeared among the apostles several times, teaching them many things, which became more and more clear, under the action of the Holy Spirit infused in them, even before Pentecost (John 20: 21-22). Jesus directed them to preach his teachings and to make disciples of all the nations. He also said that He would be with them always, to the end of the age (Matthew 28: 17-20).
The apostles were very happy, though still fearful, under the impact of the brutal way how Jesus was tortured and crucified, keeping their meetings always behind closed doors. After forty days, Jesus ascended to Heaven (40th day after Easter); He promised the coming of the Holy Spirit, at Pentecost (50th day after Easter).
According to the Scriptures, the apostles were filled with joy after that, waiting for the Holy Spirit to come. I imagine that the Ascension must have been such a triumphantly impactful event for the disciples that, instead of being saddened by Jesus' departure, they were joyful, awaiting the Holy Spirit.
They were together in one place, also with Our Lady. When the Spirit came upon them (At 2,1-11), they were reinforced in faith, courage, understanding of the Word of God, received the gift of speaking other languages, went out preaching Jesus' teachings around the world and doing wonders in His name, as promised.
They were no longer afraid of being captured and martyred, they faced everything and everyone. They detached themselves from the things of the world, turned entirely to God, following the Way, the Truth and the Life – Jesus.
Each one can have his/her individual “Pentecost” which is the sacrament of Confirmation - we have to assume our faith, of our own free will, when we are confirmed, and live for it. If someone has already received the sacrament at a younger age, without having yet a mature knowledge of its validity and importance, he/she does not need to receive it again, because the infusion imprinted on the soul does not go out; just be aware and seek their effects on the heart - they are there (Gifts of the Holy Spirit).
Confirmation is usually conferred by the local bishop. The ritual consists of the laying on of hands, the anointing on the forehead with sacred chrism, and the words, “Be sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.” Like the other sacraments, it’s a simple action, using an appropriate object (oil and the laying on of hands), accompanied by simple words. And the ritual is guaranteed its significant meaning by the presence of our God infusing us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
It is the confirmation of Baptism because it strengthens the Grace we have received. This ritual was practised since the early Church. "Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit." (Acts, 8, 17)
Sacred chrism is olive oil (the same oil that is used for cooking) with a sweet perfume added (usually balsam) to give it an aromatic quality.
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“O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise and ever to rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
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Related links:
The importance of the Ascension of Christ
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