6th Sunday Easter –

Last Sunday, I was privileged to confirm three young adults who had decided it was time to complete their initiation as part of a kind of return to the church. I didn’t preach about the gospel directly, about love. Remember the Word?

John 15:9–12            As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.  If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.  I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.  “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

I have been wondering how Jesus (in John’s gospel) leads disciples to love. Here’s at least an intro to my homily.

Choosing a confirmation name says something about you and where you are today in your life. It’d be interesting to talk to you each in about five years to see what you have learned about the deeper truth of your choice.

“Joe” chose Francis because he likes animals. And… St. Francis of Assisi found joy in embracing the leper, the outsider, and in poverty. (Sorry, Joe)     “Mary” chose St. Cecilia because she loves music and it’s important in her life.  She died a witness to the resurrected Christ.     “Julie” chose Martha because she loves to cook. Jesus loved Martha and her sister, Mary, very much. They professed belief in him as ‘the Resurrection and the Life’. Jesus raised their brother, Lazarus, from the dead.

It’s possible that, after 5-10 years, you each may discover how your choice of a saint’s name may have seemed good, and you may discover new connections to your saint as you find out what abiding in Jesus looks like. 

More tomorrow about my confirmation name… (Ah, the suspense!)

So, what is your confirmation name and why did you select it?