Human beings have a great fear of death. They fear the unknown as well as judgment and punishment. Today's readings assure us that our fears are unfounded. In a sense, death itself is an illusion. Wisdom insists that our death is merely an appearance to those who are left behind. In reality, God's people enjoy true life -eternal life- that is something far greater than we can ever imagine. God has given proof of His love. Jesus died for us even in our sinful state, and now God's love is poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Our salvation is not something that we earn, nor is it a reward for holiness. It is a gift, pure and simple, and the response that God expects from us is acceptance and gratitude. We are loved by God as we are now.

This is made abundantly clear in John's Gospel. Jesus rejects no one, and His mission is to ensure that no one is lost. Abundant life, eternal life, is given freely to all through faith. Our imperfections and our humanity do not separate us from God. Perhaps we need to do a little mental and spiritual housecleaning. Images of a harsh and vindictive God need to be discarded, along with fear-filled attitudes towards death. Let us rejoice with and for those who have gone before us and are with God. And let us even be joyful at the thought that we will join them someday.