When confronted with a situation, what are the common questions or concerns? What are the considerations? Some would say, " How much money will I gain from it?". Others would prefer, "What will make me happy?". Or, "What will my father (or any recognized and idolized authority) say or do?". Still, there are those who would ask, "Will it stabilize me?", or other similar questions. It is interesting to note that the questions we ask limit the answers we get or we want. In the secular world, the above maybe considered relevant and important questions. But in the spiritual world, these questions are less relevant or material. In faith, particularly the Catholic faith, the most relevant question is, "Will it save?". In fact, this is the key question to all the pronouncements and teachings of the Lord Jesus. The only way we can understand His teachings is to put them in the context of faith and salvation; forgiveness, martyrdom, suffering, self-emptying, loving enemies, generosity, prayer etc. All of the teachings of the Lord only have meaning for the purpose of salvation.
As believers, we can not live without our faith. Our life is our faith and vice versa. The salvific factor can never be factored out of the equation. It is a constitutive element of life. It is, in fact, the reason and destiny of human life. We eat, drink, sleep, work, pray, sacrifice, forgive, love, hope, etc., for salvation. Anything less would have made us live in vain. Without it, life in this world will be frustrating. All other purposes would have left us without a meaningful destiny.
The next time you are confronted in life with challenges and difficulties, ask, "Will this save?". If it does, go through it in faith. Jesus will be there to help us through!
Everything is geared towards salvation. The difference of a Christian lies in the
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