Nov 17 Sun
What am I doing to be ready for the hour of my death?
The kingdom of heaven is like a man going on a journey who calls his servants and entrusts them with his property. Once again Jesus explains in parables the meaning of our life on earth. God grants us gifts, "talents" that he expects us to invest, to attain heaven through our efforts and his never-failing grace.
Although it is Christ’s will, and ours, that no one be lost, on the Day of Judgment, all men will appear in their own bodies before Christ’s tribunal to render an account of their deeds.
The truth of each man’s relationship with God will be laid bare, and even the good each person has done or failed to do during his earthly life will come to light.
Then, the Kingdom of God will come in its fullness. The just will reign with Christ forever, glorified in body and soul, and the material universe itself will be transformed.
The ‘holy city’ of God will no longer be wounded by sin, and self-love that destroy or harm the earthly community. The beatific vision of heaven, in which God opens himself absolutely to the chosen ones, will be a wellspring of happiness, peace, and mutual communion.
Nothing good from our earthly life will be lost but will instead be perfectly renewed. According to the command of the Lord and in his Spirit, we will find them once again, cleansed this time from the stain of sin, illuminated and transfigured.
As St Cyril of Jerusalem put it, “True and everlasting life consists in this: the Father, through the Son and in the Holy Spirit, pouring out his heavenly gifts on all things without exception. Thanks to his mercy, we too, men though we are, have received the immutable promise of eternal life.”
This is a good moment to ask ourselves in God's presence if we are taking advantage of our time and talents to yield abundant fruit in God's service. “God may have given us just one more year to serve him. Don't think of five, or even two. Just concentrate on this year. Give it to God, don't bury it! This is the resolution we ought to make."
“My son,” St. Josemaría concludes, “let this be the fruit of your prayer today: be convinced that your time is for God; that it's a God-given treasure; that, it is something marvelous in your hands that you have to administer for God, with a sense of responsibility...."
It is also very wise to meditate on the heaven that Love has prepared for us and to get rid of anything that would prevent us from attaining heaven. This means struggling against sin and erasing, in the Sacrament of Penance, those we have committed.
Lord, help us grasp the importance of the time in which we are living. Make us understand that only You can make things grow and bear fruit.
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