Today’s reflection from a cloistered Community of Saint Benedict quoted John 6:67-70: “Jesus asked the Twelve, do you want to leave too? Simon Peter replied, ‘Lord, to whom would we go? You have the Words of Eternal Life’. “
Our eternal destiny will be determined at death, as stated in the Gospel of John 5:28: “An hour is coming in which all those in their tombs shall hear the voice of the Son of God and come forth unto the resurrection of life.” Stop and think about that. It’s very serious business.
I lament when I see so many young and old people neglect God horribly by acting and speaking as if God is nonexistent. They often take little or no time to search for Him, nor to understand His Word, nor to go to Mass at least once a week, nor pray; and far from their thinking is to try and center their every word and action around pleasing God and doing His will. In fact, blasphemy and heresy mean nothing at all to many, it’s “no big deal” some have said in my hearing.
Sadly, heretics, blasphemers, and nonbelievers are destined to eternal perdition, as, “he who believeth not shall be condemned” (Mark 16:16; similarly, John 3:18). Saint Paul advises believers to “devote themselves to good works; these are excellent and beneficial to others. Avoid foolish arguments …and quarrels about the law, for they are useless and futile. After a first and second warning, break off contact with a heretic, realizing that such a person is perverted and sinful and stands self-condemned.” (Titus 3: 8-11)
“Happy those who have heard the divine Word, and kept it faithfully in their hearts. Happy those who, awakening from their sleep, shall have walked and openly follow the Apostle’s recommendation.” (Father Charles Arminjon, published in Benedictus) May we direct our entire lives to love, know and serve God alone by our prayers, devotions, practices and good works through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ who has the Words of Eternal Life and thus be as ready as we can at life’s end.