The Spirit of Promise (Ephesians 1:11-14)
This week, we began St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. With no pressing pastoral problems in Ephesus, Paul had more freedom to develop his thoughts. In the letter, Paul provides an eloquent understanding of Christ and the blessings bestowed on us in Him.
St. Paul begins our first reading today by reminding the faithful (both Jewish and Gentiles) that they are chosen and predestined according to God’s sovereign plan. They receive an eternal inheritance in Christ and are sealed with the Holy Spirit as pledge of their eternal redemption.
In Biblical times, seals were used to indicated authenticity, authority, protection, and ownership. The owner branded an animal or pressed a seal into wax or clay, which left an impression signifying ownership, e.g., this belongs to me. Seals could also be used to protect documents, i.e., to prevent unauthorized people from opening or misusing them.
In saying that the Christians in Ephesus have been “sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,” Paul says that Christ has authority over them and protects them. They are subject to God’s ownership. They serve under God’s authority and can completely trust Him.
Additionally, seals validated that documents were real and official. Having the Holy Spirit, then, confirms that a person’s faith is true and that they are approved by God.
Paul goes on to say that the Holy Spirit is the first installment of our inheritance. The Holy Spirit acts as a pledge or down payment. Think of purchasing a home wherein you give a first installment or a down payment so that you can move in. The down payment serves as a guarantor that you will follow through. God gives the Holy Spirit as a binding promise that He will complete the believer’s redemption and future redemption.
Overall, Ephesians 1:11-14 remind us that you are chosen as God’s adopted child. As such, you are called to be “holy and without blemish” for the “praise of his glory.” Furthermore, as an adopted child, you have been given the Holy Spirit, God’s “down payment” that you will inherit His eternal home provided you remain faithful to Him. Without question, our first reading is very rich and worth taking time to ponder!
~St. Thérèse, pray for us!