You are Destined for Eternity

The boldest claim that religion can offer is an after life. The ancient belief that our existence continues after our body and soul are separated at death. Christianity believes that humans are made in the image and likeness of God. The catechism says, “God, infinitely perfect and blessed in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in his own blessed life.” We will not be satisfied with anything less than life with God. For that, we need to live in Eternity. (Perpetual is a more precise word than to live in eternity since only God can be eternal, but why stress so much?)

The belief in an after life, as Christianity teaches it, suggests that we exists for much longer than our 80+ years on Earth. Our life on Earth is meant to prepare us for the life to come. The truth we must be aware of that every person we encounter is an encounter with Eternity. One day known only to God, our lives will be judged and we will be sent to either Heaven or Hell. Our daily interactions can impact our eternal salvation and the salvation of someone else. What immense responsibility!

Every interaction with a person must be pregnant with reverence and dignity owed to a creature destined for eternity. “We must work our salvation with fear and trembling,” as Saint Paul says in Philippians 2:12. Imagine a giant sling shot that can fire a projectile for thousands of miles. If the sling shot is turned even a few millimeters, then the projectile will land far way off course. The same principle can be used for our lives to come. Perhaps, a mean word there and a thoughtless comment here won’t jeopardize our salvation, but for all eternity that small blemish will be carried forward. I pray there is greater patience for those who with eyes on Eternity.

By focusing on eternity, minor frustrations and concerns disappear. A common phrase I like to say, “It is just a blip in eternity.” This will apply for anything we might consider a “long” time. A 30 minute walk? A 4 year program? 18 years of raising a child? 40 years walking in a desert? All of it is just a blip in eternity. God willing, it will empower you to seize those opportunities that you might otherwise not. Live for eternity, I say! You are made for it after all.