There Must Be Death, October 24, 2016 Daily Reflection

20160515_155316“But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go.

For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you.

But if I go, I will send him to you.”

John 16: 5

This was the time that Jesus was explaining to his apostles that he must leave them behind for the truth to be revealed. They had no idea what he was talking about! So, how can we apply this to our own lives? It’s the paschal mystery, dying to self and resurrection. There are so many characteristics that we inhabit that we must die to so that we can live a more full life.

What unhealthy habits render you less supportive to the needs of others? If you let the habit die, mourn the loss of it, and be open to the resurrection of what will replace the lost then your heart will be fuller. There must be a void before we can receive something new. The apostles watched Jesus die, they mourned for 40 days and then the advocate was sent. The Holy Spirit filled their souls and they left that upper room with courage, wisdom, and understanding. They went out into the world and began to live for others. If Jesus had not left them this experience would not have occurred.

We do not like change. Sometimes we like the results of the changes in our lives. But we hate going through the transformation. We do not deal well with loss and can’t seem to grasp the process of mourning losses. We want to slap a quick bandaid on the pain and keep moving on. We are up for resurrection as long as the pain is not a part of the equation.

So, take a moment to reflect on your life. Is there something in your life you need to die to? Is there an addiction or horrible habit that if you died to it would open up a new life to become a better you? The paschal mystery is not an easy path to living a full life but to Christians its the best one possible. There is no better role model to follow than Jesus Christ.

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