Things Are Not Always What They Seem

The WORD today (see http://thedailymassreadings.com/daily-reading-wednesday-september-12-2012) remind me that things are not always what they seem.

This life we are living on earth does not necessarily reflect our life in eternity. Our life on earth will not necessarily be continued as we leave this earth and enter eternity. On the other hand, our life in eternity will be determined on how we live our short and temporary life here on earth. We should remember this as we live our lives.

In the first reading, we see Paul warning the Corinthians. It may seem that Paul is against marriage, but by no means was he against it. What he is warning is for us to lose focus on God. It is not right to get married for the wrong reasons. There will be challenges in life, and these will become even harder if we do things for the wrong reasons – for comfort, human satisfaction, peer pressure, etc. He warns us that the world is passing away, that we will die and spend eternity whether we like it or not, whether we are prepared or not. We should not lose focus on eternity. Possessions, challenges and joys of this world are all temporary, thus we should be detached from them and prepare for eternity.

The gospel shows us the Beatitudes. Here we see Jesus reminding us the way St Paul did. Life on earth is temporary, and nothing in this world will remain. IT is important to keep our focus on God, to keep preparing for eternity with him and not lose ourselves as we live our lives here on earth. Wealth in this life does not necessarily mean life with God in eternity. We should constantly strive to remain faithful to Him, live our lives detached from anything of this world so we can fully focus on Him, so that nothing in this world can slow us down or prevent us from doing whatever God wants us to do, to go wherever God wants us to go.

What are the things in life that I cannot understand? Do I remember that things are not always what they seem, that God’s plans are not always obvious and do not conform to human standards? Do I seek to understand him beyond what is obvious? Do I trust that he has great plans for me? Do I know that everything in this world is temporary, and that I should live my life in preparation for eternity? Do I give importance to preparing for eternity?

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for reminding me that things are not always what they seem, that I need to look behind the surface and look behind what the eyes can see so I can know you more. Thank you Lord, for reminding me to prepare for eternity. I know that my life on earth is a means for me to prepare for eternity with you. Lord, I ask that you help me remain focused on you amidst the distractions of life. Help me prepare in this life so I can spend eternity with you. Amen.

Have a blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-