God's Seal of Approval

Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel of John 6:24-35

When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into boats and came to Capernaum looking for Jesus. And when they found him across the sea they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” Jesus answered them and said, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.”

Are you hungry?  Did you wake up this morning with a growling stomach?  If Jesus drove by in a food truck handing out free breakfast burritos and coffee, would you stop by?  I think most of us would say "yes."  I mean, free food is free food, right?  Just drive by Jesus' truck and grab a quick bite to eat before heading off to work.....

However, what if Jesus asked you to stay a while to listen to the good news? This is the only thing he asks.  Just sit down on the green lawn and eat your breakfast slowly and meaningfully while also chewing on the Word of God. Perhaps share what you hear with your friends and coworkers.  It's not so difficult, is it? Sadly, I think most people would pass on the preaching:  No time, Jesus.  I need to go to work.  I need to make money for my family...Oh,.By the way, Jesus, will you have the food truck open for dinner? I can stop by around 6 and bring the familly.  Thanks for the free food.

God does not stamp his seal of approval when we demand things from him or his Son.  He frowns when our prayers are shallow and self- focused, if we pray at all.  Even worse is when we complain about the blessings God does provide us because we think they are not good enough. 

 Do we only turn to Christ when we want something for ourselves?  Do we pray for the superficial instead of the substantial? Do we think Our Lord is a magician who can make our lives instaneously free of worry and regret?  Do we "use" God?

When our relationship with Christ is a healthy one, praying for the needs of others and sharing the Truth in compassionate ways, God's seal of approval is branded in our hearts.  He is pleased because we take the initative to live authentic Christian lives.  We are not only spiritually fed but take that spiritual food and share it with others.  

Invite a friend to mass.  Organize a bible study group.  Get involved in a pro-life or social justice cause.  Become a prayer warrior.  Evangelize, evangelize, evangelize!  Do not fall into the temptation of the lackluster Catholic who consumes but does not produce. 

Spread Christ's message to others and receive God's seal of approval for the valiant effort!

-J.