Circling Back in the Spirit

The circle of life returns me to October 15, the inestimable day in 2005 when I became a confirmed Roman Catholic Christian.  Like back in 2005, October 15 is on a Saturday this year as I mark the 17th anniversary, and it enhances a sense of connection back to that day.

The sacramental experience I had that day speaks to how I embraced faith in a powerful way during my middle school years, one of the major reasons why my middle school years were so significant in my life.  While it happened during the initial weeks of my time in high school, the groundwork for the impact of that day was laid in middle school.

I had a conversation with someone recently and during the course of it, I reflected on the ways I abounded in faith during middle school.  The person I was conversing with asked if I had an "aha" moment during those years.  I responded that I didn't think I really had an "aha" moment.  Confirmation was the point in my life when I realized something marvelous had been happening all along during the previous 3 years--the moment when I realized I had already experienced an "aha".  Indeed, Confirmation was an important nexus point when I entered a new stage of life, living out the call I had received to be something as a Confirmed Roman Catholic Christian, to glorify God by offering the gifts He has given me in service before Him to others.

My time in the community of St. Teresa's in Valparaiso did much to build upon what happened at my Confirmation, and it's only fitting that I was confirmed on the Feast Day of St. Teresa of Avila.

Certainly, the 200+ current and former students I have taught in RE class have been impacted by what happened 17 years ago, many of whom hadn't been born yet.

I also think about my role in the Knights of Columbus.  I am honored to be part of this prestigious fraternity that calls all of us Knights to put faith into action.

Indeed, my faith keeps building.  It reminds me that earlier this week marked the 60th anniversary of the opening of the Vatican II Ecumenical Council on October 11, 1962.  I watched a video on EWTN in which an expert said that it can take decades, if not centuries, to unpack all that happens at such a council.  So while it happened well before my lifetime, I'm still part of the unfolding of all it has to offer the church as the Holy Spirit continues to move from what happened 60 years ago.

I furthermore realize that even as I grow in faith, I am still called to remain in a childlike state, remembering the great truth of how much value I have because God loves me.  Two weeks ago, to kickstart this special month, I went to the National Shrine of St. Therese in Darien, where I had my Confirmation retreat 3 weeks before the sacrament.  I was back there for a special Mass on the feast day of St. Therese.  I've learned some about her, and the homily at Mass had such an impact on me.  The priest spoke so powerfully about St. Therese's spirituality, focused on the simple, yet marvelous, truth of having deep faith in the reality of God's love, and how she spread that to others.

When we truly believe that truth deep within, we are transformed and radiate it to others.  And it's amazing how God works in such faith constantly through the power of the Holy Spirit.

It's fitting that all this week is the Jewish Festival of Sukkot.  In JOhn 7:37-39, the scene is at the final day of the feast when a priest pours out water.  Jesus uses that ceremony as an image for the flowing of the Holy Spirit moving in those who believe in Him.

Indeed, today is a day I party like it's 2005 all over again.  The Spirit of 2005 is all about how I realized my calling to be who God chose me to be through the Holy Spirit Who is constantly flowing, as He was leading up to that day 17 years ago, and then through those 17 years to today, and beyond, for the greater works Jesus says in the Last Supper discourse in John that those who believe in Him will do.

Veni Sancte Spiritus.

Dad photographed me as I'm about to enjoy some red Jello I made for the occasion of the 17th anniversary of my Confirmation.  In front of me are some red rose petals from a rose that I was given from someone seated near me when attending Mass in honor of St. Therese.  I'm in the same dining room at the same hour on Saturday, October 15, where my family gathered to continue the celebration following my Confirmation Mass.