Monday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
There is nothing like the death of a loved one to make you stop and pause to reflect upon life, death and how faith gives meaning to both. My Dad recently passed away, and as I pondered his life and death, I was reminded that our faith not only shows us how to live this life, but our faith can give us hope and courage at the time when we face our death.
Peter talks about faith in the first reading as he recounts how we have been given a “new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” He explains that this salvation is safeguarded through faith, and in fact the goal of faith is “the salvation of your souls.”
So what does this mean to have faith in Jesus, and why does this faith bring us salvation and eternal life? Peter gives a glimpse of what it means to have faith- “Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet you believe in him.” God created all things in love and for love. Jesus not only becomes the “face of God”, but He also is the living example of how God is calling us to live. Our faith in Jesus connects us to Jesus, as well as the Triune God- Father, Son and Spirit. Jesus is the human expression of the Trinity that calls us into a communion of love. When we have faith in Jesus, we believe that God knows us, loves us, and calls us His own, even when we cannot “see“God in a physical way.
Our faith helps us to know that God’s love and presence is with us at all times. When we believe in Christ, we realize that nothing can separate us from God, and God can bring good out of suffering and death- just look at what happened to Jesus after His death! If we recognize that Jesus is leading us to live like him, we also realize that when we die, we will enjoy the same resurrection that He has been given. It is our faith in Christ and in God’s mercy that provides our path to eternal joy.
As I reflect on my faith, I see that there can be obstacles that stand in the way. Jesus reminds the disciples in today’s gospel how difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God. I think that power and pride also prevent us from growing in our faith. If we place our trust in material things, in our own power, or in the belief that we can do it by ourselves, we close off the opportunities for God’s grace and mercy.
In order to build our faith, we need to grow in our relationship with Christ. Through prayer, scripture, sacrament, community, and nature, God reveals Himself to us. If our faith in Christ is the foundation, then as we go through life we understand death is not an end, but is a coming home to the One who sent us forth initially and now calls us back to Him.
My 4 year old grandson has also been reflecting and questioning about heaven since my father’s death. He has asked if “Poopah”(my Dad) needs to brush his teeth or if he needs legs to walk when he is in heaven. Although I do not have all the particular details about heaven and eternal life, I have assured my grandson that “Poopah” is with God. He lived a life of faith and because of his faith he was generous in sharing his love, compassion and mercy for others.
When my Dad was saying good-bye to the youngest grandchildren he told them that he had talked to God and told God that his body was failing and he was ready to go when God was ready. My Dad told the grandkids that he was happy and God said that he was ready whenever the time was right. It takes great faith to face your death trusting in God’s mercy and compassion. It was this faith that gave my Dad peace. This faith also allowed him to make the journey knowing that he was not alone and that Someone would be waiting for him with open arms when he passed from this life to next. In both life and death, my Dad showed me how faith can give meaning and purpose. I am grateful for his example here on earth, and now I celebrate his new life up in heaven.
"Loving Father, Jesus shows us the depth of your love and mercy. Your Spirit gives us your grace so we may grow in our faith and imitate Your Son in the way that we live. May our faith give us hope, courage and peace as we travel on this journey, and in death may our faith assure us of our eternal home with you. We pray this through Christ, our LORD. Amen."
- Marylynn Herchline