Welcome to the third reflection of the 2025 Spiritual Exercises of the Roman Curia, delivered by the esteemed Preacher of the Papal Household, Fr. Roberto Pasolini, OFM Cap. The theme for today’s session is “The first death,” a thought-provoking topic that delves into the concept of eternal life. Let’s dive into a summary of Fr. Pasolini’s insightful message.
Unveiling the Mystery of Eternal Life
In his reflection, Fr. Pasolini poses a profound question: why do we find it challenging to acknowledge that eternal life is already unfolding around us? Drawing from biblical scriptures, he highlights how humanity has historically been oblivious and resistant to recognizing God’s divine work. The prophets in the Old Testament lamented the people’s inability to perceive the “new things” that God was bringing forth, while Jesus, in his teachings, often resorted to parables to reveal the hardened hearts of his audience.
Fr. Pasolini emphasizes a paradoxical truth from the New Testament – we are living in a state of spiritual death without even realizing it. This “inner death” stems from our self-absorption and reluctance to embrace the eternal life that God offers us as a gift. Instead of accepting life as a precious blessing, humanity tends to strive for control, leading to a sense of shame and disorientation.
However, the good news is that God’s response to our spiritual death is not one of condemnation but of redemption. Just as God sought out Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden after their fall, He continues to seek us out amidst our inner turmoil, asking, “Where are you?” This signifies that our “first death” is not a hopeless end but a gateway to salvation and renewed life.
Through biblical examples like the story of Cain and Abel, Fr. Pasolini illustrates how God’s mercy extends even to those who have strayed. Our struggles and failures are not meant to define us but to propel us towards a deeper understanding of eternal life. Jesus himself urges us to view life’s challenges as opportunities for transformation, rather than as signs of condemnation.
Ultimately, Fr. Pasolini asserts that the true hindrance to experiencing eternal life is not physical death but our reluctance to acknowledge the spiritual realm that exists beyond time. By embracing a mindset of trust and openness to God’s guidance, we can transcend our inner death and step into a new, fulfilling existence that surpasses all earthly limitations.
