2 November 2016 - through the valley

[ Today's Readings ]

And this is the will of the one who sent me,
that I should not lose anything of what he gave me,
but that I should raise it on the last day.

Even if we ourselves are imperfect Jesus does not let go of his hold on us. He does not lose us. Only the pure of heart are able to see God. But even though our hearts are not perfectly pure "everyone who sees the Son and believe in him" is still able to come before God. We are not rejected. The destiny to which we are called is so exalted if we think only of our own abilities we are tempted to despair. The feast of All Souls is meant to give us hope.

If, then, we have died with Christ,
we believe that we shall also live with him.

We have not fully grown into union with him through a death like his. But we have been united to his death in baptism. Now we grow into the full union as we put away our old sinful self and grow into the freedom Jesus gives. It isn't always easy.

For if before men, indeed, they be punished,
yet is their hope full of immortality;
chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed,
because God tried them
and found them worthy of himself.

Many of us will not finish this proving in the furnace during this life. But joined to Christ and his death we can be sure that it will be finished in us eventually, as long as we don't walk away from him. We can be sure that just as death no longer has power of Jesus it will one day have no power over us either. In fact, only the foolish with think we or the Holy Souls to be dead or their passing away an affliction, or their going forth utter destruction. Instead it is merely the final part of the purification in the furnace of God's love. It is the doorway to peace.

Without Jesus there is no far side to death where we have peace. Without his purification of our sins we cannot see God. But Jesus is here for us and he holds onto us. He won't force us to come. But if we choose to come he won't allow us to be lost. He himself leads the way through the dark valley to the banquet of the Father.

Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
with your rod and your staff
that give me courage.