Monday, April 22, 2013
Abundant life
"I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly." (John 10: 10)
What is this abundant life? When we look at the life that Christ lived while on earth, it is clear that He does not mean the ordinary life we live here and now even when our material goods and possessions are multiplied. Christ made a distinction between worldly or material riches and genuine riches. We can infer that abundant life means life that is filled with genuine riches.
Who provides abundant life? Genuine riches or abundant life is provided by the One who is described as Lord and Giver of Life, the Holy Spirit.
When does the Holy Spirit provide abundant life? The Holy Spirit provides and builds on the abundant life through the Sacraments of Initiation. The Sacraments of Initiation are Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. When the Christian is baptized, the Holy Spirit comes to live in him and fills the soul with sanctifying grace. Sanctifying grace is the life of God in the soul. It is the presence of the Most Holy Trinity in the soul. This presence or life is enhanced through the Eucharist and strengthened through the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is the abundant life that Christ speaks of in John 10: 10.
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