GOSPEL - Jn 3:31-36
The one who comes from above is above all. The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things. But the one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy. For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift of the Spirit. The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.As circumstances suggest, the parents may trace the sign of the cross on their children's forehead; they then say the prayer of blessing.
Father, inexhaustible source of life and author of all good, we bless you and we thank you for brightening our communion of love by your gift of children. Grant that our children (child) will find in the life of this family such inspiration that they (he/she) will strive always for what is right and good and one day, by your grace, reach their (his/her) home in heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thursday is dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament
STUDY - A excerpt from Link to Liturgy Lesson Eternal Life
When does eternal life begin? Eternal Life is the term used by Christ to describe the state of endless happiness enjoyed by the just in heaven. It means not only everlasting duration but also fullness of life, which the believer possesses already here and now through participation in the life of God. [1] Eternal life begins when we participate in the life of God.
When do we begin to participate in the life of God? We begin to participation in eternal life at our baptism. It is the door, which Christ Himself opened for us, when His side was opened on the Cross. Will we choose to walk through this door?
Eternal life begins now! We say in the Nicene Creed, “We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life”.
What kind of life is this Lord, the giver of life, giving? There are only two kinds of life: temporal life and eternal life. Many times we believe that temporal life is while we are on earth and eternal life is the afterlife. Temporal life is temporary; it is our physical life on this earth that has a limit because it ends with death. Eternal life is participation in the life of God, a life that is without limit and everlasting. Eternal life is right here and right now, it is today. We think a lot about our temporal, earthly life, but rarely do we think about the divine life, the eternal life. Thinking about eternal life and thanking God for this divine life within us, we help ourselves experience right now a taste of the glory we will completely partake of in heaven. “Think constantly on eternal life, and on this truth, that they who are the humblest and poorest in spirit, and count themselves the least, shall enjoy the highest glory in God.”[2]
[1] Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J.; Modern Catholic Dictionary; page 193
[2] Saint John of the Cross
