Faith Conquers Death

23 July 2011

Today’s Readings: Ex 24:3-8 / Mt 13:24-30

REFLECTION
In raising Lazarus to life, Jesus gives a foretaste of his own resurrection and the grant of eternal life to all who believe. United to Jesus in faith as believers, we all share his risen life even though we experience bodily death.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus not only effects the resurrection and bestows life, he himself is the resurrection and the life. In the same way, he not only gives the bread from heaven to the multitude; he himself is that living bread. All who believe in Him will find life, a life which knows no death.

Jesus teaches us that whatever our focus is great or small, rational or irrational, sudden or long-standing, we can conquer it with God’s help. We can find the courage to face it with calmness, firmness and determination once we learn to depend on him.

PRAYER
Loving Father, give us the grace and the strength to overcome our grief over death. Be with us always in moments of doubt, fear or sadness.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.