“I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” (Gospel for May 3, Jn 10:9-10)
We’ve all gone through times when it seems like we’re just keeping our head above water, or moments when we feel overwhelmed by life. So what does Jesus mean when he says that he came in order that we might have life “more abundantly”? Some think that Jesus is offering a “prosperity gospel” that awards the faithful with happiness, good health and financial success. Yet Christ experienced suffering, as do his followers, so an “abundant life” must mean something else. Whether a given day brings health and success, or trials and suffering, we experience all these things with Christ. By living our lives for Christ, he shows us the way to fullness of life.
This month I challenge you to write down Psalm 27:1 — “The Lord is my light and my salvation” — put it up where you’ll see it daily (on the fridge, on your mirror, etc.), and recite it regularly. Second, I challenge you to promote the cause of life by participating in the Faith in Action Ultrasound or Pregnancy Center Support programs or by making a donation to a pregnancy center.
What obstacles do you face in living with more abundance, generosity and magnanimity? Has reminding yourself that God is your light and salvation helped you to live more abundantly? How does supporting the pro-life cause help you, others and our society live more abundantly?