"Job spoke, saying: Is not man's life on earth a drudgery?" (Job 7:1)
This is the Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time. The first reading gives us a glimpse of what awaits us in life. Born in original sin, we suffer throughout life no matter how much we'd like to avoid it. Christ came to give us the hope we all long for: eternal life. It's important to remind ourselves frequently that all is ordered toward our spiritual good. Even evil can be permitted by God to bring about His salvific plan.
People need to see the light of Christ in us. We are to joyfully share the reason for the hope in us. There is no such thing as a sad saint. Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry His cross. We find our happiness in making others happy and are called to alleviate our neighbors' burdens despite being burdened ourselves.
Questions for Reflection:
- Do I live for others?
- Does the promise of eternal life give me true and lasting hope?
- What prevents me from experiencing the joy of the Gospel?