Introduction
Navigating the highs and lows of my Faith journey, the concept of eternity—a life that stretches beyond the confines of time—offers a profound source of comfort and inspiration. I mean, we are hardwired to yearn for the eternal. I’m sure you’ve heard people, and I’m sure you may be one of them, say, “I don’t want to live forever and watch everyone I know die around me.” But when everyone else you love and care for is also destined to live forever, would it be that boring?
Within the rich tapestry of the Catholic faith, this belief is not just central but transformative. It reshapes how I live and experience my life, my relationships, and my ultimate reason for being. The understanding that I am created for eternity, that my existence has a purpose that transcends the temporary, brings clarity and direction to my journey.
The words of Jesus in the Gospel of John offer assurance and hope: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die” (John 11:25-26). These words are not just a comfort during those down times; they are a call to live with a vision that extends beyond the limits of this world.
As I continue to explore and deepen my understanding of this eternal truth, I invite you to join me on this journey. Together, we can discover the richness of a life lived with eternity in mind, a life that is rooted in faith, hope, and love. In a culture of smartphones, TikToks, YouTube, and short attention spans, let us remember that we are meant to live forever, and let this truth transform the way we live today.
Understanding Eternal Life
From the earliest moments of my faith formation, I was taught that life on earth is only a title page to the Great Book far greater than we realize. In the Gospel of John, Jesus assures us, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die” (John 11:25-26).
The Catholic Church teaches that every human being is created in the image and likeness of God, endowed with an immortal soul destined for eternal life. This belief is not just a doctrine; it is a living reality that shapes how I view myself and those others around me. The Catechism of the Catholic Church beautifully encapsulates this truth, stating, “God created us to share in His own blessed life” (CCC 1). This divine invitation to eternal life is not just a distant promise but a present reality that infuses every moment with purpose and meaning. Notice that I said divine “invitation,” because we cannot come into eternal life without God’s divine grace. Even though everyone on the planet possesses an immortal soul, where we spend such immortality depends on our acceptance of that divine invitation from God. This point is a great segue into…
The Gift of Eternal Life
Eternal life is the ultimate gift, freely given by God out of His endless love and mercy. It is not something I can earn or achieve on my own but is offered to me through the grace of God. This grace was made manifest in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who opened the gates of heaven and reconciled humanity with God.
As I reflect on this incredible gift, I am reminded of the sacramental life of the Church, which serves as a means of receiving and nurturing this grace. Baptism, the gateway to eternal life, marks the beginning of my journey as a child of God. Through this sacrament, I am washed clean of original sin and become a new creation, united with Christ in His death and resurrection.
The Eucharist, the source, and summit of the Christian life is another life-changing encounter with the divine. Each time I receive the Body of Christ on my tongue, I am drawn deeper into the mystery of the eternal life that was gifted to me beginning with my baptism. The Eucharist is not just a symbolic ritual but a true participation in the life of Christ, who promises, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day” (John 6:54). John, chapter six, while during my RCIA process, thoroughly convinced me what I needed to know to become Catholic, because if it is true, that Jesus truly is present in the Eucharist in the Roman Catholic Church, then I must be a part of it!
Living with Eternity in Mind
Living in the knowledge of Eternal Life gives me a sense of meaning and purpose, guiding my decisions and actions. I am called to live with a much higher and more serious perspective of life. A responsibility has been laid upon me. It means that I must maintain an eternal perspective, recognizing that my choices today have lasting consequences, whether good or evil.
This eternal perspective is beautifully expressed in the words of Saint Augustine, who wrote, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” If I am to retain my eternal life, I must realize that my life is not my own to live for anymore. My aim must be higher, my heart must be made purer (in a very impure world), my actions must be above reproach, my language must be blameless, and my thoughts must dwell only upon God.
Living with eternity in mind also means embracing the call to responsible holiness. Jesus urges me to “be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). While perfection may seem unattainable, I am encouraged to strive for holiness in every aspect of my life. This journey of holiness is not a solitary endeavor but one that is nurtured and sustained within the community of faith, the Church. This is the purpose of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We are imperfect, and God knows this very well, being man himself, so He provides a way for us to retain perfection in His eyes by confessing our failures and sins to His holy priest in the confessional.
The Communion of Saints
One of the most inspiring aspects of my Catholic faith is the belief in the Communion of Saints. I am not alone on this journey toward eternal life; I am surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who have gone before me. The saints, both known and unknown, offer me examples of lives lived with an eternal perspective.
The saints also intercede for me, praying for my needs and guiding me along the path to eternal life. I find great comfort in knowing that I am part of a spiritual family that transcends time and space, united in the love of Christ.
Facing Death with Hope
Death is an inevitable part of the human experience, but as a Catholic, I do not face it with fear or despair as I used to. Instead, I approach it with hope and trust in God’s promises. The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of my faith. Death is not the end but a passage to eternal life. The phrase Momento Mori should be on the tongue of every person; this brings to mind the most inevitable thought that we should all keep in mind. We are going to die and nothing can change that. So we better prepare now; readying our souls for the Judgement to come, because it will come whether we want it to or not.
The Church offers me many beautiful prayers and rituals to help me prepare for and face death with dignity and hope. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is a powerful encounter with God’s healing and comforting presence, providing strength and peace in times of illness and approaching death. Through this sacrament, I am reminded that God is with me in my suffering and that He has the power to bring good out of even the most difficult circumstances.
At the hour of my death, I hope to receive the Viaticum, the Eucharist as food for the journey to eternal life. This final communion is a profound expression of my faith in the resurrection and my trust in God’s love and mercy. To have a happy death by receiving the Viaticum would be my final wish in life.
The Joy of Heaven
Contemplating the promise of eternal life, I find my heart is filled with joy at the thought of heaven. The Church teaches that heaven is a state of perfect communion with God, where I will experience the fullness of love, peace, and joy. In heaven, there will be no more suffering, pain, or tears, only the eternal bliss of being in the presence of God.
The beauty of heaven is beyond any human understanding, but the Church offers glimpses of this divine reality through the liturgy of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the Sacraments, and the lives of the saints. I also find inspiration in the teachings of the Church Fathers and Doctors of the Church, who have written extensively about the joys of heaven.
Saint Thomas Aquinas described heaven as the “beatific vision,” where I will see God face to face and be united with Him in perfect love. This vision of heaven motivates me to live a life of faith, hope, and charity, striving to grow closer to God every day of my life.
A Call to Share the Good News
Reflecting on the incredible gift of eternal life, I am filled with a deep desire to share this good news with others. The world is in desperate need of hope, and the message of the Gospel offers the ultimate hope: the promise of sainthood and eternal life with God.
I am called to be a witness to this hope, to live my life in a way that reflects the joy and peace that come from knowing I am destined for eternal life. Through my words, thoughts, and actions, I strive to be a light in the darkness, pointing others toward God, the source of true life.
Evangelization is not just the work of missionaries and clergy; it is the responsibility of every baptized Christian. Even though I am an introverted man, I am still called to share my faith with those around me, albeit in a way that is set to my temperament, to be a living testament to the reality of eternal life. I can make a difference in the world and help others discover the hope of eternal life.
Wrapping up
My faith in the Catholic Church offers me a firm foundation of hope. I am not just a random collection of cells or a mere blip on the radar of history, although within the context of all Eternity, it certainly is, I am a beloved child of God, created with a purpose and destined for eternal life. As I journey through this life, I keep my eyes fixed on the ultimate goal: becoming a saint who shares a union with God in heaven. This eternal perspective shapes every aspect of my life, guiding my choices, strengthening my resolve, and filling me with hope. I am meant to live forever, and this eternal life gives me the confidence to face whatever challenges come my way.
Now it’s your turn. Tell me what you think about the idea of living forever. Do you share the same or similar views? Comment below.