PARISH NEWS

“FOREVER!”

What does “eternal life” look like?(John 10:27-30) We don’t have much idea what it entails but the whole purpose of Jesus mission is to proclaim the Good News of eternal life in the Father’s Kingdom.

Many Christians once had a juvenile image of eternity involving floating around on clouds with God the Father, a big white bloke with a flowing beard, accompanied by bunch of angels and harpists. Or the frightful alternative of Dante’s notion of life in a big barbeque. Mostly we’ve come to a more sophisticated understanding of life being either with or separated from God and we’ve come to more fully understand the unfathomable, merciful love of God who invites us to eternity with him, in spite of ourselves.

Our path to eternal life with God is listening to Jesus’ voice, which, beyond the recorded words coming his from his lips, includes the example of his whole person and existence among us: his way of life, his love for all, his teaching, his death and resurrection.

Often we struggle to hear his voice amid the magnitude and variety of voices and examples seeking to influence us. Incessantly we are bombarded by voices pursuing our money, our energy, our time, almost our souls. How difficult it is to be still or open enough to reflect on Jesus’ example, to listen to his quieter voice or the voices of those in our family or community who might need some care and attention. Jesus invites us to follow him to eternal life aware of our difficulties and assuring us of his all-conquering love.

Paul reminds us that, though we will die, “neither death nor life, nothing that exists, nothing still to come, not any power, not any height nor depth nor any created thing can ever come between us and the love of God” (Romans 8:38-39). Whatever eternal life is – it will be good!

Deacon Mark Kelly

RECONCILIATION

Sacrament Enquiries:  Mrs Therese Meggetto

Mobile: 0439 306 642 Email: Warragul.sacraments@cdsale.org.au

PARISH RENEWAL PROGRAM