Life without Jesus is boring. It becomes just a series of novelties and distractions. "Vanity of vanities! All things are vanity!" (Eccl 1:2) Some people ask whether there's life after death, but it's questionable whether there's life before death! The worldly life is a vicious cycle of temporary, empty pleasure, resulting in discontent and/or depression, leading further to escapist, compulsive activity. This is a lifestyle of slavery and self-deception.

Being a slave is bad enough, but refusing to admit it is even worse. Some are naive or anaesthetized to the point that they don't realize this. So, they "learn the hard way" as they vainly try to make their lives worth living by seeking after power and pleasure, only to become slaves to greed and lust. Like Herod, they become mere pawns of the evil one who throws them away to die a miserable death after he gets through using and alluring them. Although Jesus did give Herod a chance to escape, Herod didn't respond with anything more than confusion and curiosity (Lk 9:7-9).

We still have a chance to be free through Jesus (Jn 8:33). Jesus is the only Way to live happily; Jesus is the only Truth that can set us free; Jesus is the only true meaning in life. Jesus is the One and only name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). Only Jesus makes life worth living now and forever.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 26, 2006

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