Reward of Heaven and Reward of the Earth

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 23rd Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 6:20-26*

*First Reading : Col 3:1-11*

*Reward of Heaven and Reward of the Earth*

*1) Jesus on the Reward of Heaven*

In today's Gospel Jesus speaks about the reward in heaven, in the context of explaining the meaning of the beatitudes

Jesus says *Rejoice and leap for joy on that day Behold, your reward will be great in heaven.*

There are some requirements to acquire the reward in heaven 

*2) Various Requirements to gain Reward in Heaven*

Hatred from People 

Exclusion from the rest of the community

Insults from various corners 

Denounced by various people 

Humiliation in front of the Society

All these should take place for the sake of Jesus. In other words, when one boldly proclaims Jesus and then faced by these things, such a person is awarded in heaven 

This is called preparation for heavenly reward 

*3) The Speciality of Heavenly Reward*

Difficult to achieve it 

Needs lots of sacrifice

Needs a powerful commitment

One should be ready for any casualties

A reward which remains for eternity

A reward which gives eternal life 

A reward which gives salvation

A reward which fulfils the aim of life 

A rewards which makes life beautiful and meaningful 

*4) Earthly Reward*

There is also a earthly reward which many of us crave and work for it 

Earthly reward consists in wealth, money, power, position, riches, name, luxurious life, pleasures of the flesh, etc 

These come into our life and gives us a impression that they make our life meaningful. 

If these are acquired in a right and moral way, certainly they make our life meaningful. But the reward which they give us remain only for few years 

The glory of the earthly reward remains only in this world

To achieve the heavenly reward from the earthly this, we need to check what we do with the earthly things 

If they are used to serve and help the needy then the reward is eternal 

*5)  To which reward I long for?*

There are two rewards, heavenly and Earthly reward 

Where is my concentration? Which reward I desire? 

Mere desire for heavenly reward is not sufficient. One should ready to work, ready to take risk to achieve this heavenly reward.

*6) Christian must work for Heavenly Reward*

Whatever sources we have in our life, from this earth, we should use them to acquire reward in heaven 

Have I understood the value of heavenly reward? 

Am I serious about the heavenly reward? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*