The readings in today’s Mass are long and there are a number of intertwining themes that beg for reflection, one of which is God’s power, repeated throughout scripture, to extend the life we are now living into eternity. We are made for eternal life.
Eternal life is progressing now in us, and when we die, “Life is changed, not ended,” as we hear in the Preface of the Mass for the Dead. Why? The Alleluia verse in today’s Mass says it all: “I am the resurrection and the Life, says the Lord; whoever believes in me will never die.” God created me, redeemed me, sanctifies me and by that same divine power, He prepares me to live forever because he loves me.
In our resurrection the skin-and-bone bodies we now have will be transformed, and the love we have now for one another will be intensified. Ever since the creation of Adam and Eve, human beings, have been called to eternal life.
Resolution: I shall reflect today on Christ’s words in today’s Gospel about “the power of God”, thanking God for watching over me and the people I love, anticipating that the love we share now will be perfected when we are together with God and see him and one another face to face. I shall also ask Him to give the power of faith to unbelievers.