Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. For Christ, while we were still helpless, died at the appointed time for the ungodly.
I have a philosophical bent in my thinking, and a predilection for Christian apology; that is, explaining our beliefs to a skeptical culture. The apologist tries to demonstrate that our doctrines are not irrational. When the subject of life after death comes up, it is easy to revert to that philosophical discussion.
But the Christian doctrines of life eternal and the resurrection of the body spring from our faith in God, not from Greek, Jewish, or Asian philosophies.
If life after death can be promoted as not-unreasonable, the arguments are not persuasive. They don't lead to that leap of faith which is essential. At best they might persuade the skeptic to respond like the Athenian crowd in the Areopagus who said to Saint Paul, "We should like to hear you on this some other time." Paul left them in disgust and never returned.
We believe in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and we entrust our lives to God. As the Word of the Lord is eternal, so do we believe our covenanted relationship with God is eternal.
It's impossible to suppose that the Lord who gave his life for you and me, and was raised up on the third day by the power and mercy of God will abandon you or me to the futility of death. How would that show the Righteousness of God?
Entrusting our lives to God means daily asking God to send his Spirit to guide us in all our affairs. We do nothing apart from God. Our relationships, work, and rest; our conversations and silence; our entertainment and study: all are inspired by God's purposes.
This is our way of mindful awareness. If some people are self-consciously trying to pay attention to their feelings, attitudes, and actions in expectation of a balanced life, we take our place each day in the Presence of our Compassionate God.
The saints urge us not to take God's mercy for granted. Saint Theresa of Avila, Saint Catherine of Siena, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, to name a few: all had deeply disturbing visions of the Hell that awaited them if they turned away from God.
Jesus warns us, "“Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough."
Urgency is a way of life for us, reminding us to beware of the sinful temptations that assail us and the graced opportunities that appeal to us. Even our idleness should be received with an awareness of God's benevolent presence, as Psalm 139 celebrates, "..with all my ways you are familiar. Even before a word is on my tongue, LORD, you know it all."
On this second day of November, we also remember the souls of our loved ones who have passed into eternity. We keep faith with them by this memorial, confident that the Lord also remembers them with the same fondness.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.