No need to fear death... embrace life...
Reflections on the readings for the Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (March 3, 2019): SIR 27:4-7; PS 92:2-3,13-14,15-16; 1COR 15:54-58; LK 6:39-45
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
St. Paul refers to both Isaiah and Hosea in telling early Christians about the importance of Christ’s Resurrection in assuring their own salvation and that of all believers.
Because the Son of God is triumphant in defeating death, we will also be able to rise up from the tomb. “Death is swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?… Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.… Be firm, steadfast, always fully devoted to the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:54-55, 57, 58).
Rather than fear death, a Christian needs to embrace the assurance of eternal life. As long as we remain loyal to our Lord, seek His will, and do good to those around us, we will gain heaven. God loves us and wants us to be with Him. We need to cooperate with His grace and depend on Him to transform us into people of faith, hope and love and to be His, forever.
Suggested missionary action: We can make an effort to reach out to those around us who are grieving the loss of a loved one. We can pray for them and also offer them emotional and practical support in a painful time.