A Meditation for our seventh week of Eastertide in 2026

Heaven and eternal life got a lot of attention when I grew up. The Church has spent a lot of effort and attention focusing on eternity. For a number of years I focused on evangelism. I planned and hosted events. Some of those events for thousands of people. I also have had thousands of one-on-one and small group conversations. I’ve learned so many ways to communicate the gospel. Yet, this passage in John 17 always gnawed at me. “And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

I love being present with people I love and care for. Yet, knowing someone is more active than being present. To know someone means to journey through life together, to experience a wide variety of things together, and to listen and share. Presence is a part of this, but I have been present with a lot of people without knowing them. I would never say I came to know the person at the next table over in the cafe or who sits next to me on the bus. I’ve even been present with myself without really knowing who I was.

It is only over many years of actively walking with God that I’m starting to know His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I am just starting to know God by the fruit of His Spirit. God is with me, within me, and before me, and in some ways none of this makes any sense. God is also with you and holds all the space between us. The same love that raised Jesus from the grave will bring us to new life. His care for me is the reason why I can cast my anxieties upon him. To do so accepts that God is present in me, in my moment, and with all that is causing my worries. No matter the outcome, God will still be with me.

There is a profound depth of gratitude in my soul that God brought me to monasticism. This monastic life resonates so deeply with who I am and am becoming. This is an active way of walking with God. The rhythms of prayer, fasting, Eucharist, community, and silence continue to renew my spirit. Between and within these moments, my mind is being transformed by this life I am devoting myself to. In little moments each day, the power of the resurrection brings life to me and the world around me. I can hardly believe that this is eternal life, knowing God and Jesus Christ, whom He sent for us all. Eternity is one day after another of faith, hope, and love. Walk in the sweetness of love, beloved.

Walk with love and hope in the presence of our God.

Readings for the 7^th Sunday of Eastertide · Year A

Sunday readings from the Revised Common Lectionary

Photo Credit
Paul Prins on 5 August 2005 in Chicago, United States.