Scripture:
Romans 5:12, 15b, 17-19, 20b-21
Luke 12:35-38
Reflection:
Eternal Life
Todays’ epistle reminds us of our destiny, eternal life. In today’s world one may wonder how many people really understand this. The story is told of the famous writer G.K. Chesterton when he was on a train England. The conductor was coming down the aisle picking up the tickets and came to G.K. He searched all his pockets and could not find his tickets. Luckily the conductor recognized the famous author. Oh, we all know who you are. We know you bought your tickets and you are a bit forgetful about these practical things. You don’t have to find them. Oh yes I do have to find them! I forgot where I am supposed to be going!
We know that in the Scriptures during the ministry of Jesus many Jews were ambivalent about the next life. Jesus came on very strong about eternal life after death! The Scriptures have hundreds of references about it. For us not to be keenly aware of our destiny would be a critical mistake. In philosophy we know that the final cause is always of greatest importance!
Concern for the next life makes this present existence on earth extremely precious to us! Without everlasting life our life on earth is truly a throw away existence! Every second of earthly time is priceless beyond our imagination. When we die we literally run out of time and step into the eternal now of God! To forget eternal life would result in a devastating myopia!
The thought of Heaven should give us courage in facing death! Paul puts it all in a simple way. “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus” Rom 6:23 Jesus tells us: “everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25 I love the SS quote that describes the incredible moment of eternity: “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, And which have not entered the heart of man, All that God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Cor 2:9
Fr. Bob Weiss, C.P. preaches Parish Missions and is a member of the Passionist Community in Louisville, Kentucky.
