Life Abundantly

It is Sunday - the fourth Sunday of Easter, believe it or not - and this morning I “attended” Bishop Barron’s Mass. At one point he used the phrase, “life abundantly,” as in, that Jesus came so that we may have life, and have it abundantly.

It is a phrase I somewhat understand. In the past I would have connected it to the idea of interior freedom found in relationship with Jesus and knowledge of His love for us; even the idea of dying to self. Life abundantly does not mean material goods in abundance, but an abundance of what really matters. An abundance of love in particular, I think. Especially as reflected in the relationships in our lives. Maybe life abundantly means answering your unique calling.

So anyway, I was struck by the phrase this morning because life does not seem abundant these days. To the contrary, it is mightily repressed. Repressed, because death is rampant. Repressed, because people’s livelihoods are erased, and true relationships are impossible. Virtual life does not equate to abundant life.

Anyone who has experienced some sort of surging interior life right now - I salute you. In the beginning, I understood that, and if our lockdown had only lasted two weeks, I think I’d still be there with you. More time to pray! More time to be in solidarity!

I’m halfway through 7 weeks, though. But I still want to know what an abundant life looks like, even in these conditions. What do you think it is?

It must be: Gratitude. First in all things, give thanks to God. In my experience, making a true, heartfelt expression of thanks to God is the first step to opening up your own heart. To finding gratitude more easily, certainly. But also for laying the groundwork for allowing Him to work in your life - my life. That way, I am not so resistant. What we are enduring feels unfair, on so many levels. But it isn’t the end.

Further, we know that God works all things for the better. An act of gratitude toward him is an act of faith, to say “I believe that you intend abundance for me, even if I cannot feel it right now.” I know I am blessed, I know that you watch my steps, I know that you, God, will be faithful to me. Whether I am faithful or not!

Life abundant is in the illuminated greenness of the trees after soaking up this week’s rain. It is in the trip to the grocery store when I found everything I needed. It is in a laugh-filled call with friends. It is every new day, when I have the opportunity to experience God’s love again. The latter, of course, never changes, no matter what’s going on in the world.