But you, man of God, pursue righteousness,
devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.
Compete well for the faith.
Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called
when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Tm 6:11-12)
This weekend, I am in the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre conference in Green Bay, Wisconsin. We will have sixty-four people invested into the order this afternoon at a special Mass at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. They will be making their “noble confession”, if you will, in the sight of many witnesses, most of them present Knights and Ladies.
One of the reasons that we gather together each year is to welcome the new investees.
The night before their investiture, as in days of old, they remain in silent vigil and prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.
Witness. Profession. Gathering in the presence of other members. These are all hallmarks of the Church.
We make a noble confession of faith in the presence of many witnesses at certain sacramental times in our lives. In Baptism, our profession was made for us by our parents and godparents. In the Eucharist and Confirmation, we made professions on our own. Some made further professions in Marriage or in Ordination or Vows to the Religious Life.
We make professions in the sight of others so that we may draw their support. Our profession, further, deepens the faith of those who support us. Together we grow, together we are called to be Church.
Ours is a noble confession and one that gets strengthened in our sharing with others. As they say, there is definitely strength in numbers.
Hold firm and true to the faith this day!
FAITH ACTION: Spend some time with family or friends telling them the reasons why you believe. Draw strength from their belief and let them draw strength from your profession of faith.