George Eliot, an English novelist and poet once remarked: “The golden moments in the stream of life rush past us, and we see nothing but sand; the angels come to visit us, and we only know them when they are gone.” John 6:50-54 reminds us: “This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.”
Ad Vitam is a Latin phrase that literally means “for life.” However, mortal life is regarded as a specific allotted time span of an entity. It may be restrictive in practice and suffers from constant difficulties. Conversely, “Ad vitam aeternam” refers to an eternal life with God. This is a heavenly life that is free from troubles or hindrances. Peace and happiness prevail, laughter becomes synonymous with joy. Both are graciously given at God’s mercy.
Mortal life can be sinful in part, however, God’s clemency includes acts of compassion and loving kindness that are impossible to be found elsewhere. Forgiveness is a prevalent redemption that frees mankind from the consequences of sinful acts or thoughts. Everyone is susceptible to sin, no matter who they are, or their status in life. Temptations in life abound at every opportunity, but temptation does not exist by itself, it is a powerful and coercive element in the overall structure of evil. Evil never desists, it continually retains its massive strength, it can gather momentum, which often is no match for the vulnerability or weakness that remains prevalent to humans.
1 Corinthians 10:1-13 reminds us: “For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
Saint Paul’s story is pertinent in the examples quoted in the Bible about forgiveness. 1 Timothy 1:15 states: “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” If one acknowledges their sinful ways and are prepared to repent, God is willing to forgive. Saul was a persecutor of Christians who encountered a blinding light on the road to Damascus as he journeyed from Jerusalem to arrest followers of Christ. This light deprived his vision for three days, after this period, he realized his sinful ways and converted to Christianity.
Acts 9:1-19 reminds us: “But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; and taking food, he was strengthened.”
Christ is not only the bread that feeds, nourishes, and sustains life, He is also the succulent fruit of man that prevails on its special tree. All things are possible through Him. He oversees, and cares for us all “ad vitam.” His special fruits represent all the love, patience, faithfulness, joy, kindness, gentleness, peace and goodness that life can offer. Saint Basil of Caesarea, an early Roman Christian prelate once remarked: “A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.”
Ad vitam could equate to a metaphorical slice of life. Bread is a fundamental provision used for nourishment that is usually portioned into manageable quantities that one can live by. However, although it has the definitive purpose of viver and sustenance, it can appear or taste bland unless something is added to entice the taste buds and make it more attractive or beguiling. With the right topping, it may be transformed into one of the golden moments and excitement in life. This is where God provides His suitable and welcome garnish. His presence may not be likened to jam, but contains the sweetness that embellishes life. This can make life more attractive and interesting. Life suddenly becomes tasteful. He provides purpose and guidance that nourishes and fulfills. He gives the opportunity for knowledge with understanding. He loves all without exception. Love is also an ad vitam of truth that is considered everlasting if it originates from God. It provides the goodness and reassurance in life that everyone craves. It continues and provides shelter even after a mortal end. Christ’s arms are forever open and welcoming for those who wish to be part of God’s family. Romans 8:38-39 reminds us: “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Amen.
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