Resurrection and Hope

Resurrection from the grave completed the Passion of Jesus Christ and hope of eternal life for us. Hope is always in the future; sins we have committed in the past can be forgiven with the hope we will not sin again in the future.

In April 2020 there seems to be little hope in the world with coronavirus pandemic affecting so many. The possibility of death coming has made many afraid. Dying they view as the end of life here on earth, but it is our hope it will be the glorious beginning of our eternal life with Jesus, His Father and the Holy Spirit.

I used to be afraid of being unable to unite my final suffering to Jesus’ Passion and Death. Now I am not afraid- maybe because I have united this time of uncertainty to following whatever is the will of God for me. The hope of eternal life seems stronger, more sure, and something I can hope for more easily.

Someone told me almost the same thing happened to them after their experience in the Vietnam War. Death is no longer distant; one hopes death doesn’t happen now, but if it does make sure you lead your life with hope, looking forward to eternal afterlife in heaven.

My days behind outweigh my days ahead
No longer weighed down by forgotten mistakes,
Long ago sins forgiven;
Hopefully judgement will conclude
My life will be at rest with Him.

My focus now is present work:
Give consolation to those in death’s shadow;
Journey with them through life’s last desert;
Making Him as present as the air
Surrounding man and earth, giving life.

In the dark of night as at the dark of Calvary
Each upon his bed of torture, his cross,
The agony of pain and suffering is shared-
Joined together in a loving embrace
Praying, looking forward to new life.

Love freely given from His cross,
Christ firmly gave His consent;
His readiness to free mankind
From the evil’s one snare;
Returning man to righteousness and grace.

When journey’s end is complete
The sun will rise, just as did Christ rise.
Our earthly life morphs into our heavenly abode,
Tranquility, serenity and inner peace make us
Grieved, but always rejoicing.