We are meant to give life to others

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

WHEN Christ chose 12 apostles to work closely with him in his mission of human redemption, (cfr. Mt 10,1-7) we are reminded that Christ actually wants all of us to continue with his work of human redemption, imparting the true life meant for us to everyone.

This can be gleaned from the very words of Christ himself: “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (Jn 10,10) Let’s always remember that God wants to share what he has with us, image and likeness of his that we are.

Toward this end, we know that Christ looks for us in all the circumstances of our life. He always intervenes in our life—teaching us, healing us of our illnesses, nourishing us, leading us along the right path, and correcting us when necessary. He actually guides us, listening to us and prompting us what to think, say and do. Yes, he also consoles us when we are in trouble and gives us strength to face our challenges and trials.

As St. John in his gospel put it, “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” (1,4) We have to understand those words as Christ being the source of light for us, of doctrines that tell us the whole truth about ourselves.

That’s what happened to the two disciples on their way to Emmaus. (cfr. Lk 24,13ff.) And also, to that fellow who wanted to know who his neighbor was whom he should love, occasioning Christ’s parable of the Good Samaritan. (cfr. Lk 10,25-29)

We need to realize that we too have been called by Christ to communicate to the others what truly matters to all of us in our relation with God. We ought to carry this task in all the circumstances when we are with others, always trying to win their friendship and confidence.

We have to learn how to let others know that they can have the true life with God by praying, by availing of the sacraments, and by doing everything in their daily routine with God and for God. Like Christ, we can give the others accompaniment, understanding, consolation and encouragement in their daily drama.

If we look closely at the lives of saints, we will discover that Christ was the source and root of their lives. Because of that, we should see and be inspired by their generous self-giving to others, in spite of their limitations.

Their heroic virtues that cost them a lot reflected the ever-available mercy and care of God for them and for everybody else. This would also lead them to see Christ in others.

Thus, they would put the necessities of others before their own, transmitting their love and enthusiasm for the things of Christ and of the Church. In fact, their heroism consisted in sharing their own life with God, to the point that, like Christ, they were willing to offer their life for others.

To be truly heroic, what is simply needed is that we are truly burning with love for God and for others even in the most ordinary things in life. This kind of heroism can even be more heroic and meritorious since it would require constant prodding of our will which can easily fall into complacency and into all kinds of rationalizations.

This is how we can give the real life of God to others.

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com