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, which is the first installment of our inheritancetoward redemption as God’s possession, to the praise of his glory.-Eph 1:12-13
Friends, God is good, all the time.
A piece of diamond produces many beautiful colors that increase the eye's admiration when the light flashes on it from different angles. Similarly, Christianity's full treasure for the Christian increases our hope and joy of belonging to Christ as its message of good news presents what has been prepared for us.
Turning to the First Reading of the day, we notice the height of Pauline theology expressed in the belief and teaching that the overarching assurance we have received from God is the promise of permanent inheritance. And what is this inheritance? It is this: God has established that Christians will become his possession and God will be our possession. We possess God and God possesses us. The result of the extraordinary inheritance is the mutual and corresponding relations between God and us, whereby our faith corresponds to God's faithfulness; our weakness his strength; our emptiness his fullness, and our obedience his authority over us.
Well, to seal this unique possession, God has given the Holy Spirit to us. As if God says, "if you want proof that you are mine forever, here you have it, the Holy Spirit." Here is where the genius of Catholicism once again peaks. The excellent belief that we receive the Holy Spirit at Baptism. It strengthens the church's belief in infant baptism, because if God is our possession, then that standing starts right from infancy.
Meet Jesus in the gospel as he explains this unique inheritance to the disciple, telling them that they are worth everything in the eyes of God. Did he not ask assuredly, “are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows." That is it! And remember that because he has promised us, God, will always fill our emptiness, give strength to our weakness, show his fidelity towards our faith. So, do not be afraid of anything, there is a clear path before us to but keep believing to acquire your inheritance in Christ.
Prayer blessing: Father, thank you for your word. We approach the word made fresh in these words…Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.