Everything About This Life

Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter

(Click Here for Readings)

Acts of the Apostles 5:17-26

The High Priest rose up and all his companions, that is, the party of the Sadducees, and, filled with jealousy, laid hands upon the Apostles and put them in the public jail.  But during the night, the angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison, led them out, and said, "Go and take your place in the temple area, and tell people everything about this life."

Today I'm digressing from the typical John 3:16 gospel passage so well known.  This is the one time of the year we read Acts of the Apostles which is another personal favorite!

"Go and take your place in the temple area"  What did the angel of the Lord mean when she said this to the disciples?  I think it's pretty obvious:  The apostles were called to preach the good news of the gospels.  They couldn't preach and convert souls trapped inside a prison cell.  The temple area was the one place where masses of people congregated.  What better avenue for inviting more people to join the ranks of the new Christian church. 

"....Everything about this life"  We are given only one life to live on this earth.  We should live it to the fullest with a strong sense of purpose and meaning.  Our Lord can choose to take away our life at any moment.  A man may live to be 90 years old or a baby only 9 months.  Our earthly life is very limited; however, heavenly life is eternal.  It's a beautiful place of harmony and peace.  It's a place we should each strive to gain entrance into. Just the thought of no more suffering after life makes me eager to do all I can to make it into heaven!  Yes, I'm a habitual sinner but at least I recognize this and constantly strive to do better.

Everything about this life isn't about being a people pleaser.  It's not about conforming to what everybody is doing and saying. It's not about abuse, depression, anger, resentment, and hate.  It's about love, care, and compassion.  Life is meant to be explored in creative ways that  brings glory to God and is shared with others.  

Life is so precious and sacred.  When we think life is going down the toilet, and may even contemplate killing ourselves, we should look up to the crucified Christ.  Imagine his intense suffering nailed to that big wooden cross:  The pain, the sorrow, the agony, the humiliation, the thirst and hunger.  Our Lord died for each one of us in the most horrific way imaginable, but it was done out of pure love for all men and women.  He loves us  and wants the best for all of us.  

Enjoy life!  Focus on the tremendous blessings God grants us each day.  

-J.