Eyeing that Eternal Reward

Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. // Colossians 3:2

We get so fixated on the things of this world—materialism, relationships, suffering, hatred, racism, and politics—that we forget to “think of what is above, not of what is on earth” (Colossians 3:2). So when I read the Beatitudes in today’s Gospel (see Luke 6:20-26), I am quickly reminded where my gaze needs to be.

“Blessed are the poor” (Luke 6:20).

I see the evident poverty in our homeless brothers and sisters with their addictions, tent cities, and isolation, which is unbearable to behold. The poverty that also turns my gaze to heaven is the spiritual poverty many students at my college campus think they hide so well. God desires us to help reveal the “kingdom of heaven” to all we encounter in physical or spiritual scarcity.

“Blessed are you who are hungry” (Luke 6:21).

Among temptations to consumerism, sex, money, power, and pride, I strive to be satisfied by God’s Word and the Body and Blood of Christ. Oh, His Word and how it speaks to the deep aching of my heart. And oh, what a feast the Eucharist is that satisfies my deepest hunger. 

“Blessed are you who weep” (Luke 6:21).

How many of us hold back our tears? Tears that could bring relief and healing, knowing the Lord is ever near, as near as the tear clinging to your cheek? Weep for this world, weep in your grief, and release your hidden pain. Laughter through tears awaits you.

“Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you” (Luke 6:22).

The fear of missing out is valid, and scrolling online to see what you were excluded from hurts. Angry comments on something you posted about the Truth of our Faith incite hatred and breed rage. You are not alone; our “ancestors treated the prophets in the same way” (Luke 6:23).

If we truly have our eyes secure on the things of heaven and not of this world, we will “rejoice and leap for joy” facing earthly tribulations. They are temporary. “Behold, your reward will be great in heaven” (Luke 6:23).