Earthly and Heavenly things

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season : Second Week:  Thursday*

*Gospel :  Jn 3:31-36*

*First Reading : Acts 5:27-33*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 34:2 and 9, 17-18, 19-20*

*Earthly and Heavenly things*

*1) What are “Earthly Things” and “Heavenly Things”?*

Earthly Things  refers to the following

What is limited, temporary, and human

Knowledge that comes from experience, senses, and human reasoning

Concerns like success, status, possessions, fears, and daily struggles

Jesus earlier (Jn 3:12) says people struggle even to understand “earthly things,” meaning basic spiritual truths expressed in human terms.

Heavenly Things refer to:

What comes from God

Eternal truths: love, salvation, grace, truth, eternal life

The inner life of God, revealed through Jesus

 “He who comes from heaven is above all” — this is about Jesus, who reveals divine truth directly.

*2) What is the Distinction About?*

The distinction is not just about location (earth vs heaven), but about origin, authority, and depth of truth.

Earthly : Limited, Human Understanding, Temporary, opinion based, and Focus on Material Life 

Heavenly things refer to: Infinite, Divine revelation, Eternal, Truth revealed by God, Focus on eternal life

The key message: Human understanding alone is not enough — we need revelation from God.

*3) Why Do People Reject Heavenly Things?*

The Gospel says: *“He testifies to what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his testimony.”*

This shows: People prefer what is comfortable and familiar

Heavenly truths challenge our ego, pride, and attachments

Faith requires trust, not just logic

*4) Application to Our Life*

*A) Moving from Surface to Depth*

We often live at a “surface level”: Busy schedules, Material concerns, Social approval

But Jesus invites us to go deeper: Meaning of life, Relationship with God, Eternal purpose

*B) Listening to the Voice “From Above”*

There are many voices today: Social media, Culture, Opinions

But the question is: Whose voice do we trust?

Jesus speaks with authority because He comes “from above.”

 

*C) Faith is a Choice*

The passage says: Whoever accepts the Son has eternal life

Whoever rejects Him remains in darkness

Faith is not automatic — it is a daily decision.

*D) Living with an Eternal Perspective*

Earthly mindset: “What do I gain now?”

Heavenly mindset:  “What leads to eternal life?”

 This changes: 

How we treat people

How we face suffering

How we use time and resources

*5) Key Lessons for Life*

*A) Do not get trapped in the “earthly only” mindset*

Life is more than: Money, Success, Comfort

*B) Seek what comes “from above”*

Prayer

Scripture

Silence and reflection

*C) Accept truth even when it challenges you*

Heavenly truth often: Corrects us, Calls us to change

*D) Believe and live accordingly*

Faith is not just belief — it is: Trust, Commitment, Transformation

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*