Born Once Die Twice
Therefore, brothers, we are children not of the slave woman but of the freeborn woman. For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery. (Galatians 4:31-5:1)
As Christians, each of us contains two birth within ourselves. We are born of the flesh in the natural order of human conception and, by baptism, we are born of the spirit in the supernatural order of faith. Steve Ray, a Catholic Speaker, concisely articulated this point when he said, “Born once, die twice; born twice, die once.” “Born once, die twice” means those who are not born of the Spirit of God will suffer the second death, which is the eternal punishment of hell. “Born twice, die once” means those who are born again from above, in baptism, will live even though they die. They will not suffer the second death. Yes! How true! Jesus “descended” from David according to the flesh but was made Son of God in power, according to the spirit of holiness, by his resurrection from the dead.” He was raised from the dead by the Holy Spirit. The flesh of Jesus was transformed into an instrument of eternal joy for Jesus and through Jesus for each of us. Since we are set free by Christ, let us ask the Lord to fill our heart with the love of God and the love of our neighbors. “Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing frighten you. Everything passes away except God,” said St. Teresa of Ávila.
O most loving Heavenly Father! We thank you for the for the great gift you gave us through your beloved St. Teresa of Avila, virgin and doctor of the Church. Her life was a great example of prayer, sacrifice and faith in You. We humbly pray for her most holy intercession… (Mention your intentions) St. Teresa, we know that you are a powerful intercessor because of your close relationship to the Holy Mother and Jesus through prayer. Open wide the doors to the interior castle of our hearts and souls so that we may know how to pray! Pray for us, that we may have the gift of prayer. St. Teresa of Avila, you are an example of prayerful holiness that we will try to follow. You are in heaven praising God. With your seat of honor, please beg God to bring me to eternal rest with you.
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory be…
Saint Teresa of Avila, pray for us! Amen (St. Teresa Avila Novena)
Peace in Christ,
Father Vincent-Vuong Nguyen