.Because there are no “dual passports” in heaven

Today at Holy Mass, in the first readings St Paul encourages us……”Our citizenship is in heaven”……And this is truly a reassuring thought…But if that is the case, how we conduct ourself and our affairs here on earth matter….We cannot call ourselves citizens of heaven and still embrace "the world, the flesh and the devil"…..On the surface, I think we all would say…That is something we do not do - But the devil is crafty - And the “spirit of the world” can creep into our life if we are not careful….What we as followers of Jesus Christ must understand is….The “Spirit of the World” and the Kingdom of Heaven can and NEVER will mix…..The one and only prayer that Jesus Christ gave to us is very clear - The Lord’s Prayer - We all know it….”On earth as it is in Heaven”….There is no separating the two - So the question becomes - Is this how we live?…Have we created a “Domestic Church” in our home?…Do people know we are Catholic in our work place just by the way we behave?…..How do we spend our money?…..Do we live for others?…Are we open to life in our marriages “giving our life away” to our spouse and children?…This is how we show the world - “Who we are”…And in behaving in this manner - Our lives are not compartmentalized - God on Sunday (maybe) and worldly pursuits the rest of the week…….In the Gospel today, St Luke tells us - “For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than the children of light”…In my experiences at work and with the many people I have encountered in my life - That statement is so very true…..Many times very religious people lack savvy when it comes to “maneuvering” in this world…They get taken advantage of - They can be too naive and trusting of others…..”Worldly” people know how “things work” - How to utilize leverage and “manage people”….We as Catholics clearly have to live in this world - Raise our children - Feed our families, etc…..But we also have to make a choice….What kind of person do you want to be?….Now if we are as St Paul tells us are truly - “Citizens of heaven” - That would imply we live as Jesus commanded us - Right? - And that would also imply we may not have the most “comfortable lives” here on earth - That many people may “pass us by”……How does that sit with you?……Choices matter! - And we all have to make a choice…..Because there are no “dual passports” in heaven......JMJ

”Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple”