Written by Sr. Rosemary Finnegan O.P.
During the past month alone, we’ve had a number of funerals here for wonderful people whom many of us have known and admired. They were women and men of all ages…some who lived long, productive lives into their 80’s and 90’s; others who, we feel, died too soon. This past Saturday I attended a funeral here for a 39-year-old man who died unexpectantly at his desk last week. He and all these parishioners will be missed, and we continue to hold their grieving families in our prayers.
Their passing is another opportunity to realize:
- that we are just pilgrims here
- that we await our heavenly home and
- that because we may have less days here than we may think, we need to be ready every day.
We’re reminded of that in our 1st reading:
“According to his promise we await new heavens and a new earth…. Therefore, be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him.”
This letter from 2nd Peter contains sobering instructions for us on how to live in this life, knowing full well that our real goal is the life to come. It reminds all the followers that Jesus’ promise of eternal life transforms the meaning of human life and requires us to change our perspective on what is important and what is unimportant. The truth is: our present life is just a prelude to eternal life.
That powerful fact alone should remind us to have a perspective of eternity, that is, a perspective that transforms our view of everyday life and challenges our assumptions, actions, and values. Do I make decisions about my relationships, my time, and my money in light of my eternal life to come?
- The perspective of eternity holds that there is no permanent separation between those united in Christ’s love. We believe we’ll be reunited with our loved ones someday.
- The perspective of eternity holds we will each be judged upon death, but we live in hope of passing that judgment because of Christ’s redemption. I love the line we also heard today: And consider the patience of our Lord as salvation.” Thank God the Lord is patient with us!
- Most importantly, the perspective of eternity changes our view of those on earth who are poor and suffering. We cannot turn our backs on the needs of others. Their needs are our opportunities to serve the Christ in them. We must be concerned for them now.
We’re encouraged in this reading to ‘grow in grace’. The opportunities are there each day to act on this perspective of eternity, if we see them in the light of faith. Perhaps a good question to reflect on today is: “Do I live my life from the perspective of eternity?”
