The Fountain of Youth

We as humans have a hard time grappling with death. It’s the debt that all men pay — no one is above it. It’s a fear that has spawned legends and quests in hopes of defeating death and gaining eternal life — think of the Fountain of Youth or the Holy Grail. 

This fear of death and the desire to live forever is written on the hearts of men and women across time and place. It’s something that we all innately understand, but not completely. 

Beyond all of the legends of the mystical and the magical, we hear these words: “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day.” (John 6:54)

Isn’t that what we’re looking for? Isn’t that the answer to humanity’s longing for immortality? 

At the very least, isn’t it an option worth pursuing? 

And yet, how many don’t believe? How often do we make excuses for not driving a few minutes to Mass? After all, Mass is where we encounter the graces of the flesh and blood. How often do we put worldly things above Heaven?

We don’t understand everything. But, we do understand that death comes for all of us. Along with Saint Peter, we can say, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68)