Ephesians 2
‘You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you.’ We don’t want to hear this when God calls us from this life. But how many of us can say right now ‘Lord, I am ready to go. I have been preparing for your call.’? Have I stored enough for heaven? Or, do I have too many things here on earth only?
St Paul advises the Ephesians to live according to what they became at baptism as we hear in his letter. St Paul admonishes us to be awake in spirit and to act accordingly. Otherwise, we are at risk of a relapse to chase after pleasure and greed.
Then, our question is how to live spiritually. In this world, however, which becomes more and more materialistic and money-centred, is it possible for anybody to live spiritually while actively involved in this world? Spiritual living seems possible only for those living in a monastery or a convent. Retirees, preferably wealthy ones, may be free from worldly concerns and can concentrate on the spiritual life. But all the others in the secular world seem to be trapped! Do we need to separate ourselves from the world? Or, do we have to look for a new job for the spiritual life? Or, do we have to save up so that we are free from worldly worries?
I believe that’s why St Paul says Christians should live according to the spirit. Being spiritually awake means being conscious of the heavenly goal at all times. Whatever we do, as long as we keep our focus on the heavenly reward, that is, life eternal with the risen body, we can safely make our journey through the materialistic world. At the same work, a person may build the virtues of honesty and kindness as another becomes hardened with lies and bullies. With the same money, a person may relieve the destitute from hunger while another incites the poor to envy. With the same amount of time, a person may deepen a relationship with his friend, while another makes his beloved one feel abandoned by his selfish entertainment. Every day, every person, and every work we encounter become opportunities to store the rich toward God when we are conscious of our final destiny. When we keep heaven in our sight, we make different decisions – heavenly decisions.
Do I feel tired and stressed by being constantly conscious of Jesus, heaven, or life eternal? I cannot answer this question, unfortunately, because I find myself in a spiritual slumber more often than not. But what I can tell you is this. I find myself much wearier and stressed when worldly desires and fleshly passions dominate me. I saw saintly people, freed from these unnecessary pains, enjoy life, even amid poverty. Indeed, His yoke is easy, and His burden light.
