Ave Maria Meditations
“I am come that they may have life.” (Jn 10:10)
But the only true life is that which is eternal. All our knowledge and all our love of the Father and His Son Jesus must tend to the eternity of that life which makes us children of God. “This is eternal life that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.” (Jn 17:3). Here on earth it is always possible for us to lose the divine life which Christ gives us through grace; only death “in the Lord” fixes and assures this life in us in a permanent manner.
The Church notes this truth in calling the day on which the Saints enter eternal possession of this life their “birthday”. The life of Christ in us here below by grace is like the dawn of a day; it only attains it’s noon time, noon time without decline, if it comes to its fullness in glory.
Blessed Columba Marmion
