the worst i can do
"Remember, now, you have been cured. Give up your sins so that something worse may not overtake you." —John 5:14
There is something much worse than being sick for thirty-eight years (see Jn 5:5). There is something much worse than Job's sufferings of going bankrupt, suffering the tragic deaths of his ten children, and becoming seriously ill (Jb 1:13ff). There is something much worse than the greatest of calamities.
The worst thing that can happen to a human being is the second death (Rv 2:11), hell, which is everlasting damnation and alienation from God. However, the Lord wants all to be saved (1 Tm 2:4). He wants everyone in heaven and no one in hell. For love of us, God even became a human being and died on the cross so that all could live forever with Him in infinite love. The Lord has done everything necessary to give us the best and save us from the worst.
Consequently, let us accept His grace to give up our sins (Jn 5:14). Let us live our Baptisms by giving our lives totally to Jesus. Then we will not have the worst but the best: eternal life on high in Christ Jesus (Phil 3:14).
Prayer: Father, give me true perspective on time and eternity.
Promise: "Wherever the river flows, every sort of living creature that can multiply shall live, and there shall be abundant fish, for wherever this water comes the sea shall be made fresh." —Ez 47:9
Praise: Jim, an atheist, met the living God when he was desperately ill. He recovered, accepted Jesus' saving grace, and witnessed for the Lord throughout the world.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Am I Going to Heaven? on audio AV 54-3 or video V-54.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Giles H. Pater, October 17, 2002
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 21, 2002