We prepare for almost everything in life. We prepare for birthdays, weddings, fiestas, and retirement. We save money for our old age and make plans for tomorrow.
But here is a question: We prepare so carefully for the few years we have left on earth. How much are we preparing for the eternity that awaits us?
In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us three important reminders.
First, do not become so busy with life that you forget God.
During the days of Noah and Lot, people were eating, drinking, buying, selling, and building. They were busy with ordinary things, but they forgot what mattered most.
And isn’t this happening today? We have time for Facebook and TikTok, but sometimes no time for prayer. We spend hours working to provide for our families, but sometimes have no time to listen to our children. We build beautiful houses but neglect to build loving homes.
What is the use of gaining so much in this world if, in the process, we lose our relationship with God and the people we love?
Second, do not become too attached to worldly things.
Jesus says, “Remember the wife of Lot.” She looked back because her heart was still attached to what she was leaving behind.
What about us? Are we so attached to money that we refuse to help the poor? So attached to our pride that we refuse to say sorry? So attached to our position or power that we are willing to sacrifice our integrity?
Remember, everything we possess in this world is temporary. Only the love we give and the good we do will have lasting value before God.
Third, always be ready to meet the Lord.
We do not know when our earthly life will end. That is why Jesus invites us to prepare, not tomorrow, but today. If you have offended your spouse, say sorry today. If you have neglected your parents, visit or call them today. If you have cheated someone, make things right. If you have more than enough, share with someone who has nothing. And if you have been away from God, come home to Him. Don’t postpone your conversion.
Meet Jesus daily
A priest visited an elderly woman who was seriously ill. He asked her, “Lola, are you afraid to die?”
She smiled and answered, “Father, I am not afraid to meet Jesus. I have been meeting Him every day—in my prayers, in my children, and in the poor. When I finally see Him face to face, He will not be a stranger to me.”
Final Words
My dear friends, the best preparation for meeting Jesus at the end of our life is to welcome Him into our hearts and serve Him in others every day. So let us live in such a way that whenever the Lord comes, He will find us loving, forgiving, sharing, and faithfully doing His will.