Monday of the Third Week of Easter
Just this past week a group of young women and men were confirmed at our parish. When the Bishop anointed them with chrism he said, “Be sealed with the Holy Spirit!” When I read today’s gospel, I was struck by the verse, “For on him, the Father God, has set his seal.” Not only has God set His seal on Jesus, but He has sealed us with His Holy Spirit. So what does it mean to be sealed by God, and how are we called to live in response to this marking? In the biblical times, seals were often made of wax, and then they were embedded with a personalized imprint of their guarantor (e.g. a signet ring would be an example of a seal.) A seal was used to guarantee security or indicate that the object/ person belonged to the person placing the seal. A seal could also be placed on a document to give it proof of its authenticity.
Jesus tells us that God the Father has placed His seal on Him. As I reflect on this, it brings several things to mind. First of all, I wonder if Jesus is trying to help his listeners understand that God the Father and He belong to one another. There are many references that Jesus makes to being one with God. (I and the Father are one. John 10:30) When Jesus shares His Holy Spirit with the disciples (and with us) we are sealed with this same belonging. God is one with Jesus and the Spirit, and we are called to join them. In the gospel passage today Jesus instructs us on how we are to do the work of God- “by believing in the one he sent.” So through faith in Jesus we are called to salvation- to eternal life- and being one with God.
This seal of God the Father is the Father’s way of telling us that He has sent Jesus- that Jesus is the real deal- the Son of God- and our savior! When I think of the Baptism of Jesus, this seems to be the moment when God the Father places his seal in an outward way as He says, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:11
The crowd in today’s reading has become more concerned about the outward signs of Jesus (eating the loaves and being fed) instead of “the food that endures.” Jesus is trying to redirect their focus to help them recognize that He is the person who will provide all that they need particularly in regards to the things that matter- eternal life.
Just like Jesus is sealed by God, as Christians we too have been sealed. “In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.” (Eph 1:13) We receive the Holy Spirit in a special way at Baptism and again at our Confirmation. We have been marked or sealed by the Spirit and now belong to God. It is the Holy Spirit that allows us to deepen our faith and live out our lives as disciples of Jesus. Being present when these young men and women were confirmed is a reason for great hope and joy. By opening up their hearts and minds to the Holy Spirit, they have been “sealed” and they are now sent forth to live “holy” lives following the example of Jesus in practicing love, forgiveness and mercy.
There is another beautiful scripture verse that uses the concept of being “sealed.” “Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; For Love is strong as Death, longing is fierce as Sheol. “( Song of Songs 8:6) Here we hear about the love of God for His people- for us. God sets His seal upon those He loves. Although death and hell are strong, the love of God is stronger than these for those who bear the seal of God.
We have been sealed by God who loves us deeply. He calls us to be HIS holy people- set apart for Him alone. He has sent His Son, Jesus, and has sealed Him so we might know God’s love for us and His desire to be with us always through the work of His Son. We are called to do the “work of God,” by believing in His Son, and sharing that Good News through our words and actions in our daily lives. If we live our lives thinking, talking and acting like Jesus, then all people will clearly see that we have the “seal of God” upon us, and know that we belong to Him and He is our God. May those young people recently Confirmed know this love of God and with the grace of His Spirit go forth to live holy lives for Him.
"Heavenly Father, You have set your seal upon Jesus so we can know that you are one with Him and have sent Him to bring us salvation. Allow your Holy Spirit to seal our hearts so we can be yours and live our lives doing the work of sharing our faith with the world. May all that we do bring you glory and praise, we pray through Christ our LORD. Amen."
- Marylynn Herchline