In today's Gospel, Jesus is asked how many people will make it to heaven. As often happens when He is asked a question, Jesus avoids directly answering. Instead He talks about how difficult it is to get into heaven. He even warns, in a parable, that there will be many who believe they deserve to get in, but whom the master of the house will not recognize.
I would very much like to live forever in a body which knows no decay or corruption. However, I know that I am not worthy of such a reward. No matter what others might think of me, I know the darkness that permeates my being. I know how susceptible I am to the lures of greed, power, fame, and pleasure. Although I know that I am supposed to spend my time helping my fellow humans, I instead live a life of decadent luxury that most on this planet do not know. There is nothing that I can do on my own to account for my sinfulness.
That does not stop me from trying anyway. I'm not going to be perfect, but that also cannot be expected of me. The miracle, the true and everlasting miracle, is that God was willing to redeem me and my failings in spite of them. While I might not have much of a chance of living forever in that perfect form, while the hell formed by my dependance on my desires might still be waiting for me, I will continue to work to make this world a better place in my own small way and leave the future to God.
I would very much like to live forever in a body which knows no decay or corruption. However, I know that I am not worthy of such a reward. No matter what others might think of me, I know the darkness that permeates my being. I know how susceptible I am to the lures of greed, power, fame, and pleasure. Although I know that I am supposed to spend my time helping my fellow humans, I instead live a life of decadent luxury that most on this planet do not know. There is nothing that I can do on my own to account for my sinfulness.
That does not stop me from trying anyway. I'm not going to be perfect, but that also cannot be expected of me. The miracle, the true and everlasting miracle, is that God was willing to redeem me and my failings in spite of them. While I might not have much of a chance of living forever in that perfect form, while the hell formed by my dependance on my desires might still be waiting for me, I will continue to work to make this world a better place in my own small way and leave the future to God.
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