Death is a transition from life on earth to eternal life in Heaven

1 Thess. 4:13-18, Lk 4:16-30. Today's first reading is a modified teaching of the concept of the imminent (immediate) return of the Lord Jesus. Paul had earlier taught that Jesus would return soon and all who believed would never have to see the end of life. However, some of the faithful have died, the Thessalonians became upset and began to question what Paul had said. They continue to weep and mourn like the non-believers in town who have no sense of eternal life. In his new teaching, Paul sees the resurrection as a promise of our resurrection: “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, God will raise from the dead those also who have fallen asleep believing in him.” Paul writes words of consolation and hope to the Thessalonians telling them that believers who died will experience eternal life for they will be the first to follow the Lord Jesus when He returns. Paul’s words give some hope and consolation not only to the Thessalonians, but to all Christians who experience the death of a loved one. Paul urges all believers to mourn, but not like those who do not believe in eternal life, for life is not completely ended or lost in death but a transition from life on earth to eternal life.

For those who have been faithful, it will not be a time of judgment, but a time of rejoicing as the Lord Jesus welcomes us into the place which has been prepared for us for all eternity. He promised this abundant joy and absolute liberation as He reads out His manifesto in today's Gospel: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” The jubilee year of God’s favour foretold in Isaiah 61, has now begun with Jesus. While we can feel the wonder and joy of it, such happiness cannot be possessed selfishly. It will be lost if it is not shared. We must share our religious joy with others. Jesus cannot work through us unless like Him we take the side of the poor. The Lord hears the cry of the poor. All He asks is that we receive Him on His own terms, which the people of Nazareth refused to do. He is always close at hand and even our sufferings, whatever form they take, can bring us close to Him.

May the Lord give us the fruits of the Holy Spirit, make us patient, kind and gentle! Amen!! Good morning and have a fruitful week!!!