Reality Check on the Confirmation Retreat

In the world today, there are many outside influences that can affect the lives of young people. Most of what we see in the media presents a false reality – truth and happiness are distorted. At the Confirmation retreat, we talked about how the world influences the way we live our lives and how God presents us with a new life-giving reality.

We explored the things of the world. Oftentimes, the world can influence our decision-making. Take a look at television, movies, and music. What are some of the messages being conveyed? The culture we live in affects the way we thing and the way we live! Sin promotes a false idea of reality – who we are, how we should treat others, what is important in life. When we sin, it has negative effects on us and those around us.

God created the world and us with a specific purpose in mind. He gives us many different ways to learn about this true, authentic reality. The story of God’s love begins with creation and continues with Christ’s death on the cross for us. The commandments laid out in Scripture are not simply “rules,” but a key to an abundant life. The lives of the saints are witnesses to the power of living in the reality of God’s love. The sacraments are concrete ways that God’s love is made visible to us.

How do we live this out? As we continue to prepare to receive the sacrament of Confirmation, we need to bear in mind the true reality. As children of God, we have worth and dignity beyond our imagining. God proves his love for us in Christ’s life, death and resurrection. We should frequent the sacraments (specifically, Eucharist and Reconciliation) and stay connected to God in prayer. Our actions affect others, so we need to treat others with the respect and love that they deserve. Let us strive to continue this ongoing reality check in our lives and grow as disciples of Christ.

~ Angie Slattery, Confirmation Coordinator