Daily reflection _ the most important investment to make

What is
THE MOST IMPORTANT INVESTMENT
we can make?
When children begin to grow up, it is natural for them to respond lovingly to their parents. In the same way, through faith, we are expected to respond to our heavenly Father in love by doing His Will.  
Deacon John Ruscheinsky
We are not saved by our own power any more than a baby is conceived in the womb by his or her own power. A baby is conceived by parents. Likewise, we are saved by God, our Father. At the moment of conception, a person comes into being and receives his identity. At the moment of our baptism, we come into being with a new identity as a child of God. Salvation, becoming children of God, is God's work, not our own.
When children begin to grow up, it is natural for them to respond lovingly to their parents. In the same way, through faith, we are expected to respond to our heavenly Father in love by doing His Will. It is in this sense that St. James says that faith which does nothing in practice is thoroughly lifeless. Believing in God demands that we respond to Him. Jesus proclaims the same truth in the Gospel. He declares that if anyone wishes to follow Him, to be a disciple, one must "deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me" (Mk 8:34). Crying out, "Lord, Lord," is not what Jesus wants. He desires not words, but actions.
Putting our faith into action: What is the most important investment we can make with our lives? Jesus poses some probing questions to challenge our assumptions about what is most profitable and worthwhile. In every decision of life we are making ourselves a certain kind of person. The kind of person we are, our character, determines to a large extent the kind of future we will face and live. It is possible that some can gain all the things they set their hearts on, only to wake up suddenly and discover that they missed the most important thing of all.
Of what value are material things if they don't help gain what truly lasts for eternity? Jesus asks the question, "What could one give in exchange for his life" (Mk 8:37)? Everything we have is an out-right gift from God, a gift we are asked to share. We owe Him everything, including our very lives. As a true disciple we gladly give up all that we have in exchange for an unending life of joy and happiness with God in heaven. He gives without measure. There is no sadness or loss that can diminish the joy He offers. The Cross of Christ leads to victory and freedom.
In today's Responsorial Psalm we acclaim, "Blessed the man who greatly delights in the Lord's commands" (cf. Ps 112:1b). We will do well in this life when we are gracious and lend a helping hand, and then we will conduct our affairs with justice. When our words are wedded to our actions, we are faithful children in whom the Father is well pleased!
What is the most important investment you can make with your life?