Does your life reflect your choice for eternal life? - Daily Reflections August 10,2013

IN DYING WE ARE BORN TO ETERNAL LIFE

 

Today, we celebrate the Feast of St. Lawrence, one of the famous martyrs of the Catholic Church. He was a deacon who served to the letter. At one point, an emperor asked him to donate the treasures of the Church since the Church was known to sell its vessels and other treasures to help the poor.  St. Lawrence agreed, but instead gathered the poor all over the city — the decrepit, the blind, the lame, the maimed, the lepers, orphans, widows and maidens — and presented them as the treasures of the Church. Insulted, the emperor decided to put him to death, promising to make Lawrence die by inches! He had him put on a gridiron with glowing coals under it. At his death, Lawrence prayed for the conversion of Rome and the faith of Christ to be among His people.

       St. Lawrence exemplified the teaching of Jesus in today’s Gospel. Death was not a hindrance to the proclamation of the Gospel. His death even inspired more Christians during His time. The presence of the Christian faith all over the world attests to this. The faith, instead of dying, makes itself more present and alive. Jesus’ example of dying on the cross caught fire and became the model for all Christians.

       We can just imagine how Christians were during the time of the persecutions. Those who claimed to be Christians were executed. Some denounced their faith and lived. But some embraced death by professing the faith. Those who died for their faith found it, while those who did otherwise, lost it. Jesus was, of course, referring also to eternal life. Life is not just about life on earth. It continues to the next life. Will it be eternal life or eternal death?

       “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants” (Deuteronomy 30:19). Fr. Benny Tuazon

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Does your life reflect your choice for eternal life?

 

Father, I choose You. Help me to live by that choice daily.