This is life. In the midst of the darkest of hours comes a flickering light to remind you to hang on until morning. In the brightest of days there is a shadow that reminds you to be grateful for the brightness of the day. In the midst of unbearable suffering there is a thought of heaven and a day when all suffering ends. In the midst of indescribable joy there is a song that takes you back to sadder days to remind you that there are those around you in great need.
As Jesus prayed in the garden he was battling Satan's evil temptations at the same time. As He visited the home of a friend who had died, He brought hope of the Resurrection. As He moved among the poor, the oppressed, and the blind, he brought riches, freedom and sight. As He taught his disciples to love, the tempter convinced one to betray him. As He suffered on the cross, He saved us from our sins. As He died, we gained life. We are alive because He died. We have life "to the full" because He became empty.
We die to ourselves so that we can live for Him and so that others will follow.
This is life. This is the message of the cross. Perhaps one key to life is to accept this reality — to always be aware of it, and not get so caught up in one that we forget the other is present.
I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need. (Philippians 4:12-13)
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