“For he giveth not the Spirit by measure.”

A leading market research firm has discovered that four out of ten people return or plan to return some of the gifts they receive on special occasions. It's hard to satisfy everyone, which is why department stores and mass merchandisers have established formal policies for handling returns.

But there is one special occasion on which we receive gifts that are ours for all time. And they can be redeemed whenever and as often as we need them on our faith journey.

At Confirmation, we receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit as the bishop extends his hands over us while saying, "Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit." From that point forward, we are filled with the grace we need to avoid sin, embrace piety and a life of service to the Lord. Fortified in faith, and able to bear life's crosses, we receive the grace we need to know the truth, live justly and grow in spiritual wisdom.

In today's Gospel, John reminds us that the gifts of the spirit are not rationed. They are given in abundance and available to us in good times and bad times so long as we remain in the state of grace. Think of them as gift certificates. Redeem them and share your good fortune with others.