Ever have an experience that lasted only a few seconds, but felt like an eternity? Situations that push us to our emotional limits (high or low) have that effect.
For example, if I were to ask you what feels longer, Lent or Easter, most might respond with Lent. However, if we use the 40 Lenten days properly, then the 50 days of the Easter season (Easter to Pentecost) would most likely be your response. Why? Hard work and sacrifice make the celebration infinitely better.
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus explains to the quarreling Jews that we must eat his flesh and drink his blood to have eternal life. Jesus is the debt paid for sin, the bread from heaven, and the way to it.
My tip today is this, though the struggle here on earth may feel like a 1,000 years, if we put our focus on heaven (through celebrating Easter, Eucharist, prayer, good works, etc.), all the physical, emotional and spiritual pain of this world disappears in death.
If we look at Lent as life on earth and Easter as life in heaven, then it is clear. Put the “50 days” over the “40 days” and you come out with “infinity” every time.
Makana Aiona is the diocesan coordinator for Young Adult Ministry.