Folia Theologica et Canonica 3. 25/17 (2014)
IUS CANONICUM - Michael Carragher, O.P., The sacrament of confirmation and personal development
186 MICHAEL CARRAGHER, O.P. skills may be acquired later in school), toddling (walking), toileting, togging (dressing oneself), tucking in (dining). Only when the five Ts have been mastered sufficiently and which, for the most part develop conjointly and contemporaneously, can the child enter into relationships with other people beyond the limited family circle, e.g., go to play, school or kindergarten. Lacking competence in any of these areas may only bring embarrassment or harm to the toddler. Indeed the youngster may be regarded as one with special needs. Hygiene and safety are never-ending concerns for authority figures be they civil or familial. But when independence comes, so does responsibility. As children gradually mature, greater expectations are placed on them. Supervision replaces assistance. The growing child is called upon to abide by the norms, ethos and conventions of school, church, sport-clubs, and other similar societies. No bullying in the schoolyard. No plagiary in the classroom. No drugs on the sport's field. Civic duties begin to obtain as citizens come of age and are expected to pay taxes, participate injury trials etc. Likewise neophytes require time to adjust to their new status and cope with the challenges that will inevitably face them. But in confirmation candidates not only begin to live a life of holiness more intensely but they also begin to interact with others who may perhaps not share their scale of values and indeed may be quite hostile to the principles and style of life portrayed before them. That is why the word ‘confirm’ is qualified by the phrase ‘the chrism of salvation’. The word baptise needs no further epithet. It is self-explanatory. But ‘confirm’ needs qualification and that is why the cross is mentioned because it is the standard bearer of the confirmed person. Finally, the location of the material placed on the recipient specifies even further this spiritual strength: the canon mentions explicitly the forehead. T sign you with the sign of the cross’. Bearing this sign of the cross clearly and automatically excludes evil actions forbidden by the Ten Commandments. A hassle free life is the result. More details and inspiration can be found conveniently in the sermon of the mount in its Matthaean or Lucan versions. Moreover, the confirmed person undertakes to confront opponents who attempt to trivialize the Christian message, should a propitious opportunity arise. Like the injunction enjoined on the early Christians by the first letter of St. Peter, 3. 15: “Always be prepared to make a defence to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is within you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence”, so the confirmed should act accordingly. Although one must stand firm in the defence of the faith, nevertheless, one must not adopt the tactics of opponents if they are incompatible with what one professes (Ephesians 4: 29, “Let no evil talk come out of your mouths but only such as is good for edifying, as fits the occasion that it may impart grace to those who hear”). Thus the confirmed person receives the power of confessing Christ publicly in word and deed.
