More Than Just Breathing: Choosing a Spiritually Alive Life
During a two-day retreat with the Salt & Light Youth Group, we gathered at St. Luke’s Chapel at the De Wolfe Campgrounds in Wading River, Long Island, to celebrate Badarak. In my homily, I reflected on what it means to be truly alive.
The Gospel tells of Jesus raising a young girl and calling her "sleeping." His words point us toward hope in the life that reaches beyond death. But they also invite us to ask how we are living now. We may be busy with work, school, and daily routines, yet still feel spiritually disconnected.
St. Paul offers practical guidance: live wisely, make good use of your time, and make room for the Spirit of God in your heart. Wisdom is more than intelligence; it helps us discern what is good and choose the kind of person we want to become.
Badarak brings these teachings to life. Through Scripture, prayer, community, and the Eucharist, we remember Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, and encounter him together. Worship is not meant to be a one-time experience, but a source of strength for daily life.
May this retreat remind us that a meaningful life is more than breathing and going through the motions. It is a life made spiritually alive through faith, wisdom, and a growing closeness to Jesus.
