Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr

Today is the Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr. St Agatha gave herself completely to Jesus Christ and refused to marry or lose her virginity as she had given all to Jesus. She reminds us that nothing on earth compares to what awaits us in eternal life.

 

And David too in First Kings looks to his death knowing that this time we have here was to serve God alone. He encourages Solomon his son to strive to serve the Lord. He again reminds us that this life is not the main event. This life is not the end all and be all but only a tiny moment we have been given. An important time for certain, for we are given life to learn, to grow in strength of faith and to learn to say yes to the love bestowed on us in Jesus Christ. To live out our true life so we can prepare for eternal life.

 

Jesus performed miracles, he brought the dead back to life. He sent his disciples out …healing and driving out demons. It was not to extend this life.

 

Even the miracle of raising Lazarus from the tomb was not for the goal of him having a longer life. He would eventually die like all men. But the goal was always to change hearts and lead others to open their eyes and follow him. Eternal life has always been the goal. A relationship with God has always been the way. All miracles are given to help others see the truth and love of God.

 

Jesus came to simplify the truth given by the prophets to help us understand.

 

He summed it all up into two commandments to love God with all our heart mind and soul and love others as ourselves. And even then then goal was not peace or happiness, but so we could progress in this life in faith and find eternal life with the Father one day.

 

It is so easy to get caught up in this life. To mistakenly believe this life is the pinnacle of our existence and the main event.

It is not. It is only a time to learn and grow and become faithful children of God. And bring others to wake up to the truth also.

That is why we are here.

 

This world is filled with wonderful things and not so wonderful things. All getting our attention. More than ever before we have distractions pulling us away from truth and love. The evil one’s favorite tool is the internet. And iPads and phones.

 

Today we are reminded that we were born of dust. And to dust we shall return. But we were not made for dust. We were not made to remain just creatures of the earth living out a short time here the best we can and then it’s over.

 

We were first made spirit by God to be born into this flesh and choose God above all things.

 

How are we doing?

 

Will we be ready to stand before Jesus Christ and with our life show we chose him everyday and put nothing ahead of our pursuit of eternal life?

 

That’s the assignment.