Eternal life?

By studying families in which long life has been natural, they have discovered genes which prevent ageing. They are now saying that this discovery could be incorporated into a pill which could extend life. Other researchers are working on therapies which could double the length of human life to 150 or 200 years.

For most of us the question of the "Quality of Life" would be just as important as the length of life. It would be no good having the extra 20, or even 100 years, if it had to be lived in ever increasing disability, suffering and pain.

This raises the question of what "Quality of Life" really means. Does it mean physical health? Does it mean mental health? Does it mean enough money to enjoy the good life? Does it mean going on ever more exotic holidays? Does it mean happiness in our relationships?

For those of us of religious faith, something else would have to be added to this list. Spiritual health would also need to be taken into account.

A person may have a healthy and happy life, but if that life has no spiritual dimension we would say that the person lacked true fulfilment.

This kind of fulfilment can only come if we believe that there is something beyond the merely human. To look beyond ourselves, to live beyond our own horizons, is to be spiritually alive. To be truly alive is to touch that mystery that we call God.

Sometimes people who are in touch with this mystery lead quite short lives and yet their lives are more complete than if they lived to be 100. Because they are open to the Spirit they may be called to some difficult or dangerous mission which leads to their early death.

Take Jesus for example. He had few of the things that we today would describe as "Quality of Life". He had no wife, no family, no proper home of his own, and he died a tortured death in his early 30s. But he fulfilled his mission. He was open to the Spirit.

Eternal life isn't a life that just goes on and on. Eternal life is a life that is touched by the eternal mystery of God. It might be a short life, even a tragic life. But it is a life that is lived for others and gives life to others.

Sometimes we are brave enough to follow this path. Sometimes we retreat into our home comforts. But buried with us all there is a yearning for this kind of life adventure. Michael Williams, Vicar of Bolton Parish Church.