Sometimes we have to ask: If I am living in Christ and the person I now am will go through the door of death and still be the person I am—how can I tell the difference between my life and others who are not in Christ?

In one sense, it is not easy. We are all human. We all use the same streets and roads, the same electrical works, and the same social behaviors.

With exceptions. They are these:  WE deliberately obey the Commandments. More, we try our best to do as our Redeemer commanded:  A new commandment I give you:  Love one another the way I have loved you.  (Jn.13:34).

It is not so hard to tell that we are obeying that commandment. We can tell we are doing that if we 1)  deliberately worship God, and Sunday Mass is a good indicator that we are doing that;  2)  we are unafraid of dying; 3) we are content with the persons God has put into our lives; and 4) we are and are known to be joyful people.

For living joyful means that we are hope-filled, that we are more confident of living forever than we are of being alive tomorrow morning.

Praise God for the work of the Holy Spirit who fills us with hope and joy.  Amen.