A Paradox: Desiring Life While Also Desiring Life

Homily for Tuesday of the Seventh Week in Eastertide

For Christians, death is not to be feared. In her work, “Interior Castle,” St. Teresa of Avila describes how the soul that is betrothed to God longs for death in order to be with God, but the soul that is united to God in spiritual marriage longs to live as long as possible, “if by doing so they can become the means whereby the Lord is praised.”

This sort of paradox is familiar. As Christians we are caught between two goods: the gift of life and the promise of the next. While death ends life on earth, it ushers us into new and eternal life with God.

In the first reading, Paul tells the leaders of the Ephesian Church that he has decided to go to Jerusalem, even though he has been warned by the Holy Spirit that imprisonment and hardships await him. He tells them that his life is of no importance to him, so long as he finishes the work he has been given by the Lord.

When Jesus’ hour has come, he tells the Father he has glorified him on earth by accomplishing the work God gave him to do. Now he will return to the Father, knowing that the ones the Father gave him will remain in the world to glorify his name.

Both Paul and Jesus are honoring God’s call to obedience. Paul is allowing himself to be sanctified through trials, difficulties, and if necessary, death. Jesus is giving praise for the glory revealed through his obedience to God’s will, and for all who have been gathered to the Father through him.

The Eucharist is our memorial of the death of Jesus. Today, we also celebrate the deaths of the Ugandan martyrs. As we receive Jesus today in holy Communion, we look forward to the banquet that awaits us in the next life.