+ “I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord; whoever
believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes
in me will never die!” This
is the astounding message of today’s readings! This is the summary of salvation! This is the supreme reward that comes
from belief in Jesus!
The first reading tells us
prophetically of the resurrection of the dead at the end of time when we will all rise from our graves to
begin a life of unimaginable joy and peace together as God’s beloved family.
The second reading reminds us
that the one thing that can surely prevent this wondrous experience is sin, for sin is death, and death and life cannot coexist at the same time,
in the same heart, in the same soul, in the same person.
Therefore, our entire mission in life is to immerse
ourselves in the life of Jesus that comes to us in baptism, and
to remain there as sinless as we
possibly can (using the great Sacrament of Penance when we need to) so
that for us, life here on earth, will only graduate into a newer life, forever,
with God, in heaven, at the end!
The raising of Jesus’ friend
Lazarus (in the gospel passage) had two purposes: to show Jesus’ singular power
over life and death; and to reveal once and for all time that He, Himself is resurrected life, He is our goal, He is our sure escort into everlasting life! – for those who are humble,
repentant and hopeful!
The ticket price remains the
same as it always has been these two thousand years: BELIEF - IN JESUS - AS SON OF GOD, REDEEMER OF THE WORLD,
and THE GREAT DISTRIBUTER OF ALL GOD’S
GRACES but especially THE GRACE OF MERCY
AND FORGIVENSS OF SIN!
Believe, then, and you shall
live, eternally!
With
the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption!
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