What is our focus in life? What truly matters to us in this life? These are the questions we need to ask ourselves from time to time. Otherwise, we will lose our direction in life on why we live and for what. However, as Christians, one thing is clear - we were made by God, and He created us for a purpose. This purpose does not only begin and end in material possessions or worldly matters such as position, power, and money. These are the things that matter the most in the world but a true Christian puts God over all these things. Why is that? It is because the Earth is not our permanent home. There is still a far higher place that awaits us, and this is God’s Kingdom in heaven. This is what we must focus on. This is what we must work for that we may inherit as true sons and daughters of God. How?

First, we must be selfless and give part of our possessions to the needy and the poor, especially those that are more than what we need. This way, we will know that the true joy lies not in accumulating possessions but in giving them out for our less fortunate brothers. Second, we must battle ourselves against constant greed, desires, and pursuits of worldly things in excesses. When we give up quality time for our loved ones, as well as charity towards others in exchange for more money, vain or useless things, then we know that we are focusing on the wrong things which matters the least in the context of eternal life.

We could only win this constant fight and struggle through Christ our Lord for the battle is against the evil spirits and the flesh. It is not a typical battle that we see and experience on Earth. We could only be victors against all evil and temptations through the Holy Eucharist and the sacrament of confession. May we depend on God and ask for His help always. Amen. +

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Marga de Jesus, OLA Social Communications Ministry