Every morning, when we rise, we are met with the irony of having one more day of life but one less day to live. And we ask ourselves how to make the most of the time we have been gifted. Today’s Gospel answers the question and reminds us of what will come beyond our numbered days.

In today’s reading, a law scholar stands up to test Jesus. He asks, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” In his answer, Jesus opens up to us the promise of life everlasting, and he gives us a simple, beautiful roadmap to follow. In setting this path, Jesus tells us how to make the most of the life we have today. Jesus says, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”

Put another way, we are to live a Eucharistic life – One that emulates the deep, abiding love that Jesus has for his Father and for every one of us, no matter our condition. And even as Jesus implores us to this love, he does not leave us alone on the journey to eternal life. He joins us on that path through his presence in the Eucharist.

Saint Peter Julian Eymard reminds us, “You shall not die. In Communion, we receive an unfailing pledge of immortality. He that eats My flesh, and drinks My Blood, has everlasting eternal life. We lose our temporal life…it is only a halt on the journey to true life.”

So, we are on a path to true life. This gives us great hope in knowing that we may have one less day to live every morning when we rise, but we are one day closer to eternal life.

Let Us Pray:

Our Lady of the Rosary, we honor you today and pray that you will continue to guide us on our journey to eternal life! Amen