Reflection For Article 12

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Name: Catherine Osano

BSN 4C/ 1A
Reflection for Article 12

The twelfth article of the Catholic faith, which professes belief in everlasting life, offers
hope in the promise of eternal life with God in heaven for the faithful. This belief underscores the
idea that life on Earth is a temporary journey, leading to a greater, eternal reality. Even though I
am not a Catholic, I still acknowledge and respect these beliefs, as they resonate with many
other Christian faiths, offering comfort and purpose in life. The idea that suffering and hardship
are temporary, and that the ultimate goal of life is to be reunited with God, is a powerful one. In
this reflection, I will explore how the belief in eternal life has impacted my outlook on family
relationships, personal struggles, and life as a student.

As someone who values family deeply, I have experienced moments of loss and pain
that have made me reflect on the transient nature of life. When a beloved grandparent passed
away, the family was devastated. However, the belief in everlasting life offered us comfort. Even
though we do not follow the Catholic tradition, the shared Christian belief in life after death
helped us cope with grief. We found solace in the idea that death is not the end, but a passage
to eternal life with God. This belief in the afterlife helped me realize that faith is not just about
rituals or specific doctrines, but about having hope in something greater than the immediate
realities of life.

In the context of my academic life as a student, the belief in everlasting life has also
shaped my perspective. I have encountered stress and anxiety due to the pressure of academic
performance, uncertain future career paths, and balancing different responsibilities. This belief
serves as a reminder that my earthly achievements, while important, are not the ultimate goal. It
encourages me to focus on becoming a better person—someone who is compassionate, kind,
and seeks to live according to God’s will—because these are the virtues that truly prepare us for
eternal life. In moments of doubt, I reflect on the bigger picture: that my life on Earth is part of a
larger journey toward union with God, and this gives me strength to push through difficulties.

Moreover, I have seen this belief impact how my family deals with interpersonal
struggles. Conflicts and misunderstandings are inevitable in any family, and there have been
times when tension felt overwhelming. Yet, the belief in eternal life encourages forgiveness and
reconciliation, as it teaches that our relationships on Earth mirror our relationship with God. It
reminds us to seek peace and live in harmony, knowing that our actions here have eternal
consequences. This belief has often prompted us to resolve conflicts sooner, guided by the
hope that we are all journeying toward a shared destiny with God in heaven.

The Catholic belief in everlasting life, as outlined in the twelfth article of faith, is more
than a doctrinal statement; it is a source of hope, resilience, and perspective. Even though I am
not Catholic, I acknowledge and respect these beliefs, as they align with the broader Christian
understanding of life’s purpose. This belief encourages me to navigate life’s challenges, both in
family matters and as a student, with the understanding that these difficulties are temporary and
that my ultimate purpose is to prepare for eternal life with God. The belief in everlasting life has
given me strength in times of loss and guided me in moments of conflict, shaping my personal,
academic, and spiritual life in profound ways.

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