Trading My Now For Eternity – Love Cloud Daily
August 20, 2012
Ezekiel 24:15-23
Deuteronomy 32:18-21
The Holy Gospel taken from the book of St. Matthew 19:16-22
And behold, one came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? One there is who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which?” And Jesus said, “You shall not kill, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness. Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All these I have observed; what do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.
Like any other Filipino woman, I have found it entertaining to read showbiz magazines. I began buying monthly issues since 2004. Just imagine the stack it made in my room. I took care of every magazine as if they were babies. One issue is as glossy as the other. And every now and then, I would find time to reread some articles and browse through a few features. But I decided to sell ALL OF THEM to a junk shop.
In today’s gospel, Jesus point out that we have to free ourselves from the material attachment that somehow can unconsciously held captive our morality like the rich man who was saddened by Christ’s condition to give all his riches and follow him. Though he’s certain that he is following His commandments, his response clearly shows he wasn’t free from his wealth.
Following the commandments does not necessarily mean that we already gained a gate pass to heaven. It takes more than that. I sold more than 80 issues of magazine to lessen my engagement in gossips and hapless lives of many for if I involve myself more in those things, I would certainly become wretched and broken-hearted like them. Yes, I can choose not to be affected but when evil is right there stacked in your room, anytime soon it will attack you. I have to stand aggressively against them. I am not saying that I am not a gossiper. I am still in the process of not being one anymore. And so I hope it works.
Letting go of the things you love is one hard decision to make but it will help us stack the necessities needed in heaven.
Guide Question: What do I need to drop so I can take hold of God’s spiritual blessings?
Prayer: Lord, increase my faith that I may learn to trust your process of molding me–on how you exhaust my vulnerabilities until nothing can bend me. Remind me, Lord, that this is your way of preparing me for eternity. Amen.
Writer: Ashel Uson | Artist: Joreen Navarro of Works of Heart
