Tuesday 4 March 2014

5th Sunday of Lent Year A

Death is inevitable. We can try to avoid death for as long as possible, but eventually we will die. Some of us may be blessed with a longer lifespan due to medical advances, good food, good genes, etc. but we cannot escape from death. Our bodies are not designed to last indefinitely. Even the things that we invent and use do not last long.

Today's readings tell us about life and death, however death is not the end but life is. In today's Gospel, Jesus promises life to those who believe in him. Jesus does not promise us long life here on earth, because ultimately our earthly life will end in death. Rather, Jesus is promising something so much better, that is, eternal life. This is why, in the second reading, we are reminded: "People who are interested only in unspiritual things can never be pleasing to God. Your interests, however, are not in the unspiritual, but in the spiritual, since the Spirit of God has made his home in you."

What sort of life are we ultimately looking for? Are we interested in spiritual things and looking for eternal life with Jesus and with God? Or are we only interested in unspiritual things and looking for earthly life, which will eventually end with death? Let us not squander the many opportunities given to us to grow in spiritual life with God, since no matter what we do or choose not do, the fact remains that we will still die. Are we still looking what is merely temporary which will spoil, fade away or die? Or are we striving for what is eternal?

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