Vigils Reading

A reading from “The Life in Christ” by

NICHOLAS CABASILAS

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The purpose of Chrismation is to enable us to share in the power of the

Holy Spirit. This anointing brings the Lord Jesus himself to dwell in us, our only

salvation and hope. Through him we are made sharers in the Holy Spirit and are

led to the Father. Unfailingly it procures for Christians those gifts that are

needed in every age, gifts such as faith, reverence for God, prayer, love, and

purity. It does so even though many are unaware of having received such gifts.

Many do not know the power of this Sacrament or even that there is a Holy

Spirit, as it says in the Book of Acts, because they were anointed before reaching

the age of reason and afterward they blinded their souls by sin. Nevertheless,

the Spirit does in truth give the newly initiated his gifts, distributing them to

each one as he wills; and our Lord, who promised to be with us always, never

ceases to shower blessings on us.

Chrismation cannot be superfluous. We obtain the remission of our sins

in Baptism and we receive the body of Christ at the Altar. These Sacraments will

remain until the unveiled appearance of their author. It cannot be doubted,

then, that Christians also enjoy the benefits that belong to this holy anointing

and receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. How could some Sacraments be fruitful

and this one without effect? How can we believe that Saint Paul’s words: He

who promised is faithful, apply to some Sacraments but not to this one? If we

discount the value of any Sacrament we must discount the value of all, since it is

the same power that acts in each of them, it is the immolation of the same Lamb,

it is the same death and the same blood that gives each of them its efficacy.

The Holy Spirit is given to some, as St Paul says, to enable them to do good

to others and to edify the Church by prophesying, teaching revealed truth, or

healing the sick by a mere word. The spirit is given to others for their own

sanctification, imparting to them a shining faith and reverence for God, or

making them outstanding in purity, charity, or humility.