John 6:37-40

Wisdom 3:1-9

Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6

Romans 6:3-9

John 6:37-40

Jesus said to the crowds:

“Everything that the Father gives me will come to me,

and I will not reject anyone who comes to me,

because I came down from heaven not to do my own will

but the will of the one who sent me.

And this is the will of the one who sent me,

that I should not lose anything of what he gave me,

but that I should raise it on the last day.

For this is the will of my Father,

that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him

may have eternal life,

and I shall raise him on the last day.”

Opening Prayer: Lord God, I contemplate today the passing of family, friends, and acquaintances. I pray for each of them by name and hope that they have found your merciful love. May they enjoy eternal life with you and pray for me as I make my way through this passing.

Encountering the Word of God

1. The Gift of Eternal Life: The Gospel of John focuses especially on the gift of eternal life. Jesus proclaims that everyone who believes in the Son receives eternal life. This does not mean that once we make an act of faith in Jesus we are assured of salvation. Faith is only the beginning of eternal life, not its culmination. In other words, by faith in Jesus, we receive the grace of sharing in God’s life. We receive this gift already on earth in the hope that we will possess it irrevocably in heaven. In this life, eternal life is a gift that we can receive more fully through spiritual growth and friendship with God. But it is also a gift that we can lose through sinful actions. Our hope, though, is that we will persevere in our faith and friendship with God and be raised to heavenly glory.

2. The Gift of Immortality: The passage from the Book of Wisdom, which is one of many first readings that can be chosen on this day, speaks about the gift of immortality given to the souls of the just. The Book of Wisdom offers the clearest teaching in the Old Testament on life after death. It offers us comfort and gives us hope for loved ones who have died (Giszczak, Wisdom of Solomon, 51). Throughout the Book of Wisdom, there is a contrast between two deaths: the physical death experienced by all human beings and the spiritual death of the wicked. Although the wicked persecute the righteous here on earth, the righteous will not suffer after their physical death. Instead, they will receive the gift of immortality and be greatly blessed. Their sacrificial love has been purified during their earthly lives by their suffering, just like gold is purified over time in the heat of the furnace. In heaven, the righteous will be vindicated and shine like the stars. “The righteous are identified as those who trust in [God] … Faith enables them to understand the truth and to abide with [God] in love. Trust in God leads to understanding, and faith leads to love. The final end of the righteous in communion with God satisfies the desires of both the will and the intellect. Truth and love, in the end, are inseparable” (Giszczak, Wisdom of Solomon, 52).

3. The Gift of Union with Christ: In the passage from the Letter to the Romans, which is also one of many second readings that can be chosen on this day, Paul speaks about the gift of union with Christ Jesus. Through our Baptism, we share in Jesus’ death but also in his resurrection. And this gives us hope that we will live with him and die no more. Already in this life, we enjoy new life in Christ and in his Spirit. Just as our faith needs to flourish in works of charity, we need to continue to grow in union with Jesus. This means, on the one hand, dying to our old self and breaking free from the slavery to sin. It means, on the other, growing in a life of grace, holiness, and virtue.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, I am thankful that I am united to you as a branch is united to the vine. Prune me as necessary so that I may bear fruit in God’s vineyard. Nourish me with the water of your Spirit so that I may flourish in holiness.

Living the Word of God: How am I preparing for the moment of my death? Am I striving to live a life of holiness and virtue? Am I familiar with God as with a friend? Does the prospect of dying and encountering God fill me with terror and dread or joy? Why?