“First World problems” is a phrase that’s been used many times, more commonly as a “hash-tag.” It describes (and I had to look it up) “what we in a country of privilege see as challenges that pale in comparison to the serious, life-threatening problems of people in other countries.” So what are some examples of “First World problems”?
- Your computer crashes and you lose all your documents and “selfie” pictures.
- You forget your cell phone at home.
- The Starbucks barista spelled your name wrong on your coffee cup.
And the list goes on and on. Don’t get me wrong, some of these problems can be challenging, but they aren’t on the scale of living a life of poverty or surviving in a country stricken by war.
Jesus was never concerned about worldly problems. Why? Cause He was not of this world. He was simply sent by the Father so that we may live. Our “first world problems” are related to the “first life” we are living, which are all earthly issues. Jesus lived His “first life” here on earth so that we all may have a “second life” in heaven, the life of resurrection.
The thought of a “second life” makes us ask questions, which is totally normal.
- What will it be like?
- Who will be there?
- How will it compare to life here on earth?
We’ve all tried to imagine, with our limited minds, what life after death will be like, but resurrected life is far beyond our ability to comprehend while we are still here living our “first life”. We are called to trust in our covenant relationship with God, a relationship that goes beyond “first world problems” , “first life problems”, even death. Jesus reminds us that “God is not the God of the dead, but of the living”.
As we draw closer to Holy Week, may we be reminded when Jesus carried all the problems of the world on His back, nailed it to the cross, and destroyed it on the Easter Sunday.
Let the problems of our “first life” be a reminder of our “no problems” we will experience in our “second life”.
If there is one thing we do know about the “second life” it is that we will all be alive with God. And believe me, nothing can be better than that.
Amen!