The thought of losing something rattles us. In our search for lost keys, purses, wallets, or other objects—panic sets in. For in our world of time, precious time ticks away as we strive for unification with that which has been “lost.” In my house, for example, a collective groan may be heard when I too often ask: “Does anyone remember where I placed my glasses?”
Now the reality of “losing things” must be universal in that internet searches turn up pages-upon-pages of articles related to finding lost objects. In fact, I was able to locate one article that provided assistance in 22 steps (with pictures) while another accomplished the task in just 13. And today, with technological advances, we’ve been provided even greater assistance on our journey to find things. Indeed, with many electronic devices having the ability to be found via a GPS signal, our “lost” device may be located by another device. Take that, St. Anthony!
But despite all of this, it remains true that while things may be lost and found, loved ones may not. The death of a family member or friend stings us. We mourn. We grieve. As the finality of death sets in, life as we once knew it has changed. With my father’s passing, I miss the tradition of calling him on my way home after Sunday masses. I miss hearing his voice.
In the Garden of Eden, God constructed a perfect world. After creating Adam from the dust of the ground, He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Gen 2:7). Later, as Adam slept, God took a rib from him (Gen 2:22) and gave him Eve. To which he responded: “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” (Gen 2:23)
For a time, all was well. It was paradise, you might say. Until that moment of the original sin. Shortly thereafter, God asked the man: “Where are you?” (Gen 3:1-10). And Adam’s response: “I heard the sound of thee in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” (Gen 3:11)
Now lost and resting in their sin, man was in need of a Savior.
Fast forward. With generations of prophets having come and gone, Jesus was now on the scene.
An important question is asked: Is anything truly lost?
And Jesus’ response:
I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me; and him who comes to me I will not cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me; and this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up at the last day. (Jn 6: 35-40)
We ask: In Christ, is anything truly lost?
Not really.
