In today’s readings at Holy Mass, the first thing we are reminded of is the importance of putting our house and family affairs in order before we die. This is a solemn and important task, one that requires us to reflect on our priorities and the state of our families and our souls.
The reading from Isaiah tells us that when King Hezekiah was mortally ill, the prophet Isaiah came to him and told him to put his house in order, because he was about to die. Hezekiah, aware of his mortality, turned to the Lord in prayer, proposing his faithfulness and wholehearted devotion to Him as a plea for mercy.
In a similar way, as Catholics, we are called to put our spiritual house in order, to examine our relationship with God and with one another before our time here concludes and we are called home to the Father.
But what does it mean to put our house in order? It means to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. It means to recognize our dependence on Him, and to seek His guidance and wisdom in all things. It means to examine our hearts, and to confess our sins and shortcomings to Him. But it also means thinking of the family members we will leave behind, as they too are called to make it to heaven to be with God forever. It means we think of their temporal well-being, but more importantly, their eternal salvation… the highest good God wishes upon every one of his children.
As a priest I have seen too many families divided over inheritance. My advice to those who know their time is coming to an end, and who wish to leave an inheritance to their families, is to think first and foremost of leaving behind a family united. Do not let your wealth be a stumbling block to their standing with God, for we know that division comes from the evil one, whereas unity comes from the Holy Spirit. Let not your legacy be one of division, but one which kept the family closely knit together, as a single unit so that they may continue supporting each other on their terrestrial and supernatural journey.
This is what it means to care for our loved ones, providing for them, and teaching them about the faith. It means being good stewards of the blessings we have been given, and using them for the glory of God.
To those who are nearing their end and are able (and most people who are dying know it, and feel it), admonish your children on the values with which you have hopefully worked on yourself, and remind them to keep their relationship with God as first priority always. Remember, you are about to meet your Father and Creator. Remind them about the importance of attending and participating at the mass, just as Jesus’ own parents taught him, in his human nature, the beauty and blessings of visiting and praying at the temple in Jerusalem.
But as we do this, we must also remember that Jesus is greater than the temple of Jerusalem. We hear him reply to the persecution of the pharisees in today’s gospel: “I say to you, something greater than the temple is here.” The temple was a symbol of God's presence among His people, but Jesus is greater than any physical structure. He is the very presence of God among us. Jesus is greater than the temple because He is the Son of God, the Messiah who came to save us from our sins. He is the one who died on the cross for our redemption, and who rose again on the third day. He is the one who offers us eternal life, and who dwells within us through His Holy Spirit.
So as we put our house and family affairs in order, let us not forget that the greatest treasure, hidden in a field, that changes,
fulfills, and brings meaning to our lives, is Jesus himself, and the grace of building a beautiful and trusting connection with him, on a daily basis, which in turn will have an influence on all those he places in our lives, especially our spouses, our children, our friends and acquaintances, but it can also mean a world of difference to a poor man you help on the street, impelled by the love of Christ which glows in your heart.
When we leave this world, how do we wish to appear before our Lord? What gifts will we bring him in return? Let us ask the Lord to give us the grace to make straight his path, to lower the mountains, and fill in the valleys, so that the road for him to enter our hearts will be easy, clear of debris, no obstacle in sight, a red carpet welcome always, to the door of our hearts, so that through it he may enter, and in us may he reside forever. Amen.
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