What We Inherit

Why is it so hard to let go of material things after a loved one has passed away?  My house holds almost everything both parents had at end of life.  It's not much, but there are some items I just can't part with.  For example, my mother's white poodle lipstick holder. My childhood pet was a French Poodle of who Mom was very proud to say was bilingual (she was fluent in French and taught Pepe commands in both languages!). So, I made it part of the guest bathroom decor.  Then there's the carousel picture made of puzzle pieces my father glued together and framed. His father owned a carousel on Coney Island when he and his brothers were growing up. It's hanging by the entrance to my house through the garage. Both reminders of two people I love and miss terribly.  One day when I'm gone, my daughters will have the pleasure of going through all my belongings. What will they choose as a reminder of me?  Material things only take up space and eventually fall apart or decay. But there is one inheritance from my parents which I have given my girls. The gift of faith.  For truly eternal inheritance comes from God, not something money can buy to be passed on generation after generation. 

In todays first reading (1 Pt 1:3-9) Peter speaks of our heavenly inheritance:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith, to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time. In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet you believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of faith, the salvation of your souls.

In the Monthly Message of January 2006, Jesus explains how to achieve eternal life:

“Dear friends of the Saviour, together We are changing your world. When souls feel fear, We will bring calm. When souls feel anger, We will bring forgiveness. When souls feel abandoned, We will bring love. When souls feel great grief, We will bring comfort. And when souls see death, We will bring them to an acceptance of heaven so that they understand eternal life. Many in the world today do not understand their inheritance. This creates a fear of death that prevents souls from living fully. If a soul accepts the Truth about eternity, that soul works for Me because the soul knows that glory only lasts if it is obtained for heaven. The glory of heaven is love and is obtained by how much one loved on earth. Souls will be disappointed when they look back on their life if their life was lived in selfishness and if their purpose in life was to obtain worldly goods. This will be a disappointment for them, for Me, and for their families if their families were led astray by this flawed vision of the purpose of life. If you realign the purpose in your life, I will then help to realign the purpose for each member of your family. This is My promise to you. Make Me, Jesus Christ, the purpose of your life, and I will work through you to claim the world.”

And in Volume One, Jesus has this to add:

“The world offers you nothing. The world does not love you. Indeed, you will find only rejection and hatred in the world. Come back to Me and begin to examine your inheritance, which is goodness, love, and eternal security and joy.”

Lay apostles, while material possessions may provide temporary comfort, don't place too high a value on them. The real comfort lies with Christ.  Let your legacy be one of faith.  Get to know Jesus intimately through the Bible, through this apostolate, and through your church community. When you do, life becomes . . . easier and less disappointing.

Thank you, Lord, for the promise of eternal life with You.  Please help me to continue guiding my daughters toward heaven and not toward Ruffy (my stuffed dog from childhood which I will be discarding today)! 

God bless,

Bonnie