A middle-aged man went to a photo studio for a photo shoot. He showed the pictures to his friend and said to him: “I took my picture for my funeral, now I look handsome before it is too late. When will you have yours?” He encouraged his friend to leave something for himself as a memento. The friend promised to surprise him. The opportunity came when the friend’s first son finished school and came home to announce the good news to his father while he was at the pub with friends. When the father saw him, he said to his friend: “You asked for a picture of my funeral, didn’t you? I don’t need a photo because this is the memento I’m going to leave behind.” He pointed to his son and said: “This is my funeral picture.”
Words of Faith are Spirit
The crowd that followed Jesus in the Gospel was angry with Him for offering them His body so they could eat it in remembrance of Him. They could not understand the mystery of His real presence in the Eucharist, which re-enacts His active presence among believers as they commemorate His life, death, and resurrection. This mystery made no sense to them because they took it literally. But Jesus challenged their unbelief by calling them to re-evaluate their commitments.
What is faith if it cannot be demonstrated in good works that change people’s lives? Just as Lydda’s faith was attested to by the people who were the beneficiaries of her good deeds, our faith is active and relevant when it is reflected in the lives of those around us. Faith is not about mere words that can betray, nor about inactive memories that are presented as mementos. As Jesus said in the Gospel, words of faith are spirit, and they are life. Those who believe obey them and live virtuously. Our faith is nurtured by the eternal word and sacraments we receive which makes us be like Christ himself. This is an eternal memory that we must live by.
Congratulations on your achievements. Serve in the Holy name of Christ our Lord and savior.