The Book of Life

In his letter to the Philippians, St. Paul refers to his coworkers, “whose names are in the book of life.” I wonder if this is one reason we picture St. Peter standing outside the pearly gates and checking a book to see if newcomers have gained admittance to heaven. I suspect that if Jesus were the one standing outside the pearly gates, he would be more likely to check to see if our names are in the book of death, for he said, “Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it” (Lk 9:24).

A more likely scenario is that the pearly gates are permanently wide open, because eons ago God wrote all our names in the book of life. Remarkably, despite our physical, psychological, and spiritual limitations and our selfish attitudes and actions, God has shown an increasing desire to share life intimately with us. As Sr. Jeanne Weber has noted, " The good news is that we are, in this very state of limitation and sinfulness, tremendously loved by God, who created us, who continually holds us in being, who regards our weakness and sinfulness with infinite compassion, and who calls us in that very weakness and sinfulness to be co-creators.”

Our names are entered in the book of life because of God’s mercy and compassion. The best way we can respond to that gift is to live with zeal and share the love and mercy we have received with others. Then our names will be inscribed in the book of life with indelible ink!