no comparison
“I solemnly assure you, if a man is true to My word he shall never see death.” —John 8:51
In today’s first reading, God promises Abraham that his descendants would be forever blessed (Gn 17:7-8). God blesses us for a thousand generations when we are faithful to Him (see Ps 105:8; Ex 34:7). God promises many thousands of years of blessings for one life of faithfulness. Today’s Gospel mentions that if a person is faithful to God’s Word, that person will never see death (Jn 8:51). God promises eternal life in exchange for our faithfulness to Him; we will have life with God forever!
St. Paul, who experienced brutal sufferings for the Gospel (see 2 Cor 11:23-28), exclaimed: “I consider the sufferings of the present to be as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed in us” (Rm 8:18). St. Teresa of Avila said that the sufferings of this life are like one night sleeping in a lousy inn compared to the eternal blessings God has in store for us. God is very good. Even in this life, He wants to “overwhelm” us with His blessings (Dt 28:2).
We have such a short time on this earth to suffer (see 1 Cor 7:29). And thus we have only a short time to spread this Good News to others. Take heart. God is good. He wants us to be with Him forever. Serve Him faithfully and pour out your life in His service.
Prayer: Father, use me and use me up. May I “be intent on things above rather than on things of earth” (Col 3:2).
Promise: “He remembers forever His covenant which He made binding for a thousand generations.” —Ps 105:8
Praise: Cindy witnessed to many people of God’s loving presence in the months before she died of cancer.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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