What is
THE MOST IMPORTANT INVESTMENT
we can make?
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.
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?