5TH WEEK OF LENT

Whoever keeps my word will never see death. 

“Never see death”? How can that be? We know that our bodies can’t last forever. We’ve experienced the death of friends and loved ones. And unless the Lord returns soon, each of us will experience death as well.

St. Paul gives us a hint. He says we have already died. “We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead . . . , we too might live in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). On the day of our baptism, we were brought to share in Christ’s dying and all he accomplished through his death. We died in those waters, and we rose possessing God’s own life, a life that can never die. United to Christ, we are given the grace to “keep his word” (John 8:51) and carry that word with us into heaven. Death is not our final destiny!

How can an understanding of this priceless gift of everlasting life affect the way we look at death?

It can drive away fear. Although we may naturally feel fear, nothing—not even death—can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38). Whenever we step over that final precipice, we are caught in the arms of his everlasting love. With that perspective, we can deal with any lesser fears.

It can put loneliness to flight. We are not alone! Jesus remains close to us in our triumphs and exhilarations as well as in our sickness, suffering, rejection, frustration, and confusion. And he calls us into a community of faith with all who have also died to sin and selfishness and awakened to life in the kingdom of love.

It can provide clear direction, helping us let go of lesser concerns and prioritize what matters most in the long run: love of God and love of neighbor. Take a look at what worries you, where you invest your energy. Will you be taking that with you into the heavenly kingdom?

How richly our generous God blessed us on the day of our baptism! He has placed his own everlasting life with us! Stay close to him, treasure his love and his word, and let them give you hope beyond the grave.

“Jesus, thank you for uniting me with you on the day of my baptism. I look forward to living with you forever.”

Genesis 17:3-9
Psalm 105:4-9
John 8:51-59