In life, we usually
concentrate our commitments and resources to that which we are focused on. In
today’s Gospel (Matthew
6:19-23), Jesus reminds us to be wary of
storing up our treasures and wealth in the form of the pleasures of this world
as they are all passing away. None of the things of this world will accompany
us beyond our grave. Of course, if you do not believe in eternal life, then
what I am saying here is irrelevant to you.
The Gospel often reminds us to be wary of the promises of this
world as even if they are true, they are true only for as long as we are alive.
What happens to us when we die? This is a serious question and one that should
cause us to think carefully about our faith, eternity and so on. Jesus
exercised a heroic detachment to the things of this world, as did the saints in
their attempts to imitate their Lord and Master. What about us? What are we
doing in this regard?
It saddens me to see people who are so focused on earthly matters
that they have no time for the heavenly ones. Heaven is not just a concept
applicable to us when we die. Heaven begins now with the acceptance of the gift
of salvation. It is possible to begin living the life of beatitude and goodness
now, and this will make heaven an ever more enjoyable reality for us when we
die.
We should ask ourselves where our lives are heading once in a
while to ensure that we are not straying from the path that leads to heaven.
This path follows a different course for each of us, but we can travel together
to support one another. Let us commit to being a companion to whoever asks us
to help them on their way to eternal life.
