Drunk

"Sister, is that liquor?"
I paused mid-step.
The table of young people looked at me expectantly.

"No, but I wish it was!"
They burst into laughter and I smiled.
We had just left church and were at Caravelle restaurant to celebrate Junior's Confirmation.

Our sisters from Việt Nam had sent us beautiful white stone statues of Mary.
This would be perfect for Junior, I thought.
Who else would help him to grow spiritually then Mary, Temple of the Holy Spirit?

I wrapped the tall long box in bright red paper and placed a silver bow on top.
No wonder it looked like a liquor bottle.

Confirmation is a sacrament of choice for Roman Catholics.
Parents baptize their babies because they feel the gift of being a child of God is too good to wait to let their baby decide on their own. Does any parent ask their baby's opinion if milk is good for them?

In Confirmation, the young adults choose for themselves if they want to receive a fresh outpouring and strengthening of the Spirit's gifts. These gifts were first given them in the Sacrament of Baptism. Not all adults choose to be confirmed. Not all adults choose to do what is best for them.

At the first outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Mary brought forth Jesus (Luke 1:35).
At the second outpouring of the Holy Spirit, people thought the apostles were drunk (Acts 2:13).
Drunk enough to convert three thousand people to belief in a crucified God (Acts 2:41).
Drunk enough that this church has lasted over two thousand years, withstood corrupt leaders, and has members from over 150 nationalities.

At the second outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Mary was with the apostles (Acts 1:14).
Where ever there is Mary, there is the Spirit.

I hope all of gets this kind of drunk.

Photo of our celebrating crew at Caravelle in Richardson, TX.