Sunday, September 20, 2026

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me.” (Phil 1:21–22)

The words of the Apostle Paul may sound startling at first hearing. How can death be gain? Not because Paul despises life or wants to escape its difficulties. He speaks this way because he is certain that neither life nor death can separate him from Christ.

For him, life is not simply a succession of days, tasks, and plans. Life is Christ: He gives meaning to work, service, joy, and suffering alike. Death can be gain because it is not destruction, but the gateway to a full encounter with Christ.

Yet Paul does not turn away from earthly life. He knows that as long as he must remain here, he has a task. Life is a gift, but also a mission. What matters is not just how many years we receive, but whether all that has been entrusted to us bears fruit. Will there remain more love, hope, mercy, and faith after us?

It is therefore worth asking ourselves: what gives meaning to my life?

Do I live for myself, or am I able to bear fruit for the benefit of others as well? For those for whom life is Christ, not a single day is purposeless. Every morning is a new opportunity for God’s love to become visible through us.