Where do you find your life’s meaning?
When, in the Second Book of Kings, Elisha is welcomed by a wealthy Shunamite woman, she recognizes his identity as a representative of God and honors him for that reason. The woman finds meaning in her own ability to offer the prophet a little room on the roof with a bed table, chair and lamp. And because she honors a man who serves the Lord, she will find blessing: Elisha tells her, This time next year you will be fondling a baby son. Although she may not believe in the same God as Elisha, one could imagine that the woman’s rejoicing might echo Psalm 89, which expresses a hope that God will follow through on God’s promises: The promises of the Lord I will sing forever; my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness. The psalmist finds meaning in his community’s relationship with God, a relationship he celebrates in joyful song: in the light of your countenance, O Lord, they walk.
The Incarnation of Jesus brings a new degree of meaning to the lives of Christians. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus tells his apostles that if they recognize that their lives are intended for the service of others, if, in other words, they lose their life for Jesus’ sake, then they will find meaning in him through love and service to all. As Paul reminds the Romans, they have been baptized into Jesus’ death, buried with him that they might live in newness of life. Jesus died and rose so that all mankind would know the love God has for them; the apostles are to ensure that all receive this tremendous gift, and so are we – with lives dedicated to Christ, lives lived for God in Christ Jesus. There is no greater source of meaning in our lives than this.
This post is based on Fr. Pat’s Scripture class.
Image source: www.wordclouds.com
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