First of all, let me say that it is not my desire that this post turn into a theological diatribe between Protestants and Papists.
We can talk about such things another day. Fair enough?
One of my best friends is a Roman Catholic. He harbors deep distrust for the "organized church", but nonetheless has raised his beautiful children in the Roman Catholic Church.
When their first child was born, a most beautiful girl, we were asked to be her Godparents.
When I was asked what that meant, in the Roman Catholic tradition, I was told something to the effect that this tends to be an individual(s) chosen by the parents to take an interest in the child's upbringing and personal development.
I was certainly happy, and honored to step into that role.
Fast forward 14 years, and we now find our Goddaughter about to receive the Roman Catholic Church's rite of Confirmation.
Here is this from the Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church:
"The sacraments of Christian initiation — Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist — lay the foundations of every Christian life. 'The sharing in the divine nature given to men through the grace of Christ bears a certain likeness to the origin, development, and nourishing of natural life. The faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life. By means of these sacraments of Christian initiation, they thus receive in increasing measure the treasures of the divine life and advance toward the perfection of charity.' (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1212)"
So, it seems the Roman Catholic believes that new life (regeneration) begins at Baptism. Then, once the age of understanding is reached, the Confirmation (receiving the Holy Spirit) occurs to provide the strength to bear your witness, with the Eucharist being the weekly food of eternal life.
In preparation for this upcoming February event, we have been asked by our dear friends to write "an encouraging letter that our Goddaughter can open during her Confirmation Retreat".
I am most certainly going to do this. What to write her? This my current quandary.
I am currently leaning towards something to the effect: be strong, the world will challenge your faith, your friends may desire to pull you down imprudent paths, and know that we are always here to help and guide. Above all, know God, and make your life's most important mission to get your name in the Lamb's Book of Life.
Thoughts?
