SEEK HEAVENLY THINGS - 05/30/22 (Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter)

John 16:29-33

The disciples said to Jesus, “Now You are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech. Now we realize that You know everything and that You do not need to have anyone question you. Because of this we believe that You came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now? Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave Me alone.

But I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in Me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/053022.cfm

Blessed Monday! Jesus Christ already conquered the world. He ascended to heaven to be with the Father, and because of this, we have the hope of eternal life and everlasting happiness. What should we do since He is already in heaven? Well, while we are here on earth, we should seek heavenly things. By following Jesus, we will obtain true peace that will strengthen us amidst trials, not the false peace that the world offers to us. When we wee baptized, we received the Holy Spirit, and we were dedicated to God.

But, since then, what happened to our spiritual life and faith journey? Did we deepen our relationship with Christ or did we end up seeking worldly things? Our Lord told the disciples that there would be a time when they would left Him alone. This was the time when Jesus was arrested and instead of remaining with Him, they hid in order to be secured. This also represents our sins, especially grave sins. When we commit sins, we are making actions where we seek to leave our Savior alone instead of being united with Him throughout our lives. There are also times when we keep ourselves far from God every time we are placing our worth on things that are perishable such as riches and achievements. 

These are the times when we prioritize being recognized for our achievements and honors rather than spend more time following the commandments and teachings of Christ, whose love should be enough for us. When we do not get the praises we desire from others, we may feel sad or be angry with them. Even with money, there is a tendency for some people to dislike others who seem to be more successful than them financially. Or, we may become envious in such a way that we are always complaining if we do not have money that we want. But, if we really have faith in Jesus, we will not question Him. We will not make a complaint to Him because we know that what's more important in life is to live our Catholic faith, not to gather as many riches as possible which may even be an obstacle in entering heaven. 

Our Lord Jesus Christ already conquered the world. He tells us that He's not really alone because the Father is with Him. He is teaching us that our sole desire and purpose in life is to be in union with God. Nothing is impossible with God. This is why Jesus says that we should take courage no matter how difficult the challenges are. A person who trusts and believes in our Lord will never allow any trial to disturb his interior peace. If we really believe that Jesus is in heaven, do we seek heavenly things and the will of God? Or, do we focus our attention on distractions, material goods, achievements and honors? Let us always beg strength and courage from our Lord for us to be devoted and faithful to Him in our daily lives. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic