Gospel of John, chapter 10:10

In today’s scripture, Jesus promises life in abundance to His followers. We are reminded by Him that life is an ongoing process. The new life of the gospel is not something that will happen to us at the end of our earthly lives; rather it must happen daily, if it is to happen at all.

If you feel that you have not been to the “mountain” lately, but rather have been living “down in the valley,” don’t panic. We are touched by God not only at the high points of our lives, but at the low points of our lives, as well, God is to be found wherever we search for Him; and the real transformation happens when we decide to live in His presence wherever we may be, whether it be in the kitchen among the pots and pans or in an airplane flying to a business convention.

We celebrate these moments when we discover God in the simplest of things and amidst the most ordinary chores and circumstances. This is the kind of spiritual life the Lord has promised us in abundance for it continues to grow within us wherever we are. It is a life of personal growth; of transformation in our daily living; and in our relationship with God and our fellowman wherever we are planted.

Jesus calls on us to think about our spiritual lives in this sense; to place our trust unquestioningly in Him wherever we are; to let go of anxiety or fear or attachment to mere material things; and to follow His example.

We are called to do certain things as Christians in order to prepare ourselves to live a Christian life. Prayer, for example, prepares us to think the right kind of thoughts so that the right kind of actions will follow. Fasting enables us to practice moderation in food and drink, thus avoiding the sin of gluttony. Almsgiving makes it possible for us to help the less fortunate by making donations of the riches we possess so that others too may have life.

Let us endeavor to live life more abundantly. Let us pray more sincerely and earnestly; let us practice moderation in all forms of behavior; and let us not forget to offer a helping hand to our brothers and sisters in need.

My you be renewed in spirit and indeed by the new life of the gospel.

Fr. Hugh Duffy
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