By Dr. Dencio Acop
As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, we are reminded once more about our purpose in life. II Hebrews 10:4-10 revealed that God did not delight in ‘sacrifices and offerings, holocausts and sin offerings’ more than in man’s acquiescence to ‘here I am Lord, I come to do your will.’ In essence, even temple worship is not enough in the eyes of God. But service to the least, last, and lost who are God’s favorite members in His Mystical Body, the ancient universal church. Moving it further, ‘Sola fide’ or ‘sola scriptura’ is incomplete until the duo is back to ‘fide, scriptura, et magisterio’.
By our decision to live our life well and do good in this world, we ‘consecrate our souls through the offering of the Body of Jesus Christ on Mount Calvary once and for all.’ This is true faith in the One And Only Trinity that deserves any kind of worship much more consecrated life of service to humanity. And why would anyone do it? For two reasons, one natural and the other supernatural. First, being ordered to the One True God makes man’s life on earth meaningfully worthwhile even through the ups and downs of humanly existence. Second, eternal bliss awaits the ordered life which is its supernatural consequence through the glory of heaven.
While separation of church and state following the Thirty Year War has had its pragmatic effects through man’s affairs, it hardly leads man towards discovering his true place and the meaning of his existence. If today’s realities are any proof, it has in fact led man astray towards his own damnation. In truth, the affairs of man are best served when guided by the will of God. The Thirty Year War was just the beginning of secularism which grew through the centuries trying to make sense of the error that has beguiled man since his creation — that he himself is his own god. That no good deed was needed because the only deed that mattered was that which served him. The rest is history though. And it is enough to discern that an ordered life is a better life. Therefore, here I am Lord, I come to do your will. My good works are my offering.