(Photo by FV. I took this photo on the plane, flying back to California to visit my parents. Flying sky high has always given me a sense of God’s presence and providence. Totally, uplifting...pun intended.)
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."
– John 3:16
You may or may not have put that much thought into this throughout your life so far, but what is eternity? What does that have to do with me or anyone? Well, it has EVERYTHING to do with you and everyone.
There’s a saying that I once heard and has inspired me for years: “What we do in life, echoes in eternity.” What does that mean as a Catholic? It means that our lives are connected, not just to God, not just to family, not just to friends and community, but to everyone and everything. Our actions have consequences, and those consequences have consequences, and so on...and so on...well, you get the picture. It is in our faith that we are united as one Church, and I am not just talking about your parish, Church building, or your Church community. What I am referring to is the union between the Church Militant (all of us still on Earth), the Church Penitent (all those suffering still in Purgatory), and the Church Triumphant (all saints and those in perfect union with God). Did you know about all these? Maybe you might have heard about it in religion class or CCD (and if you have not then it’s time to do some research!). Let me tell you, this is for real and eternity is for real.
The things you do, say, and think will always follow with consequences, seemingly either good or bad. Of course, only God has the full picture and scope of all things both within and outside of time. The crazy thing is, God has freely entrusted each and every one of us the will and freedom to make choices and actions that can affect the very fabric of time and space. All of our actions have consequences and can affect others and everything to a nearly limitless degree. God has not only given you this power but has totally shared it with you!
We have the innate desire to do good in the world, and that’s just it.\: We are called to do and be good in the world and not [to become] of this world. Think about that and chew on that thought for a good minute (or longer if you have time). Just imagine...If you have been called and chosen by the most ultimate, eternal, and almighty Being in the entire existence of everything to make ripples in the fabric of time and space...What will you do? Who will you be?
I hope those questions can help you not only think, but to commune with God through prayer and enter this journey that God’s been inviting you all this time: discern and seek God’s will. God’s will is what is best (imagine Him knowing and seeing all the endless possibilities and the one He wills for you is absolutely the best path and choice) for you and will give you complete joy and freedom; purpose and fulfillment.
I am sure you would like a more concrete answer to what is the best and the most right thing to do for yourself, but I am not here to give you answers. Instead, I want to invite and challenge you to pray and discover why you are here, what you will do, and who you are destined to become, and to keep in mind that you were made for heaven...made for eternity!
So if eternity is all that matters and that everything you will ever be and do will echo in eternity. What will be your next move?
Where are you now?
Let’s pray and ponder together,
anh Frank
"If men knew what eternity is, they would do everything to change their lives." ~ Our Lady of Fatima.
Commentaires