Life: What It Is and How It Is Lived
The Concept of True Life
The sermon explains that life is not merely breaths that move within a person or a physical existence on earth, but that bodily life is a temporary stage and a test to prepare a person for eternal life. The Holy Bible teaches us that earthly life is fading, like grass that withers, and that true life is deeper than mere physical survival.
Life Is Christ
The essence of true life is union with Christ, as the apostle said: “For to me, life is Christ” and “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” True life is that Christ lives in the person, and that the person becomes a temple of the Holy Spirit, led by the Spirit of God. Whoever lives this life attains eternal life, eats from the tree of life, and receives the crown of life.
Repentance Is the Condition of Life
The sinful person is considered spiritually dead because he is separated from God, and God is the source of life. Therefore, repentance is the way of life, by which a person moves from spiritual death to life. Whoever remains in sin has no life, but whoever lives in repentance and purity lives a new life in Christ.
Fruitful Life and the Message
Life is not measured by its length but by its depth and fruit. The living person is the one who has a message and fulfills it, bearing fruit in the Church and in society. Like the saints whose lives were relatively short but full of spiritual impact, so their lives extended after their departure. The fruitful life is the one that leaves a lasting spiritual effect.
The Narrow Way and the Cross
True life passes through the narrow gate and the difficult path and carries the cross. Whoever wants to live with Christ must be crucified with Him and accept tribulations and labor for the sake of the Lord. A life without struggle and the cross is not the path that leads to eternal life.
Spiritual Nourishment for Life
In order for a person to live a true life, he needs spiritual nourishment: the Word of God and the Sacrament of the Eucharist. The Word of God is a word of life, and a person does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Whoever partakes of the Lord’s Body and Blood worthily receives life in Him.
Life That Extends After Death
True life is the life that continues after death, through spiritual influence, good example, and fruitful teaching. The person who lived in God has a life that remains extended in others, and his message remains alive in the following generations.
Spiritual Conclusion
True life is a life of communion with God, a life of repentance and righteousness, a life of fruit and struggle, a life in which Christ lives in the person. Bodily life alone is not the intended life, but preparation for eternal life. Whoever wants to truly live must make Christ his life, remain in the Spirit, and bear fruit that remains forever.
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