What is life? And what is it like?
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III presents a spiritual vision about the meaning of life as explained by the Holy Scriptures: true life is not merely physical existence or breaths, but communion with God and life in Christ.
The nature of earthly life: He reminds that human life on earth is short and fleeting like grass or vapor, and that it is a period of testing preparing us for eternal life.
True life and its source: He teaches that true life is Christ himself — “Christ is the life” — and that whoever lives in Christ and is covered by baptism and the sacrament becomes a new person.
Union with Christ and the Holy Spirit: When Christ or the Holy Spirit dwells in a person, that person’s actions change and he becomes spiritually alive; true life is life of the Spirit, not only bodily life.
Fruits of life and its purpose: True life appears in spiritual fruits, service, and mission; the living person has a clear mission in the church and society, whereas one who bears no fruit is like a tree that is not considered alive.
The way to attain life: The way to life is narrow and filled with cross and suffering; following Christ requires bearing the cross and striving, and spiritual ease is not the Christian’s goal.
Means of spiritual life: The true food of life is the sacraments (especially the Eucharist), the word of God, and continuous repentance; by these resources the believer grows and lives eternal life.
Continuity of life after death: The lives of the saints continue in effect and teaching after their death because they had a message and firm principles transmitted across generations; true life may be short in time but rich in fruit and eternal production.
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