Where, O death, is your sting? (1 Corinthians 15:55 NABRE)
Paul reminds us in vivid terms that death is not the end for any of us; but instead death itself will be "swallowed up in victory," that all who are mortal will become immortal, and all who have died will rise. He actually seems to be expressing what we might say to death after the last trumpet at the end of time!
Paul's main goal is to encourage us to "be firm, steadfast, always fully devoted to [our] work for the Lord." He reminds us in strong, almost pleading terms, that "in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
A side note: Today's verse refers back to the prophet Hosea in the Old Testament (chapter 13: verse 14) in which Hosea describes God's punishment upon Israel for turning away from him. Paul uses the same words to describe our final victory over death because of Jesus.
Today, I will picture myself on that last day, and I will be devoted to my own work for the Lord, certain of his final victory over death and of his promise.
Saint Joseph, husband of Mary and patron of a happy death, pray for us.
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