Our Heavenly Inheritance

Memorial Saint Francis Xavier, Priest

(Click Here for Readings)

Matthew 7:21, 24-27

Jesus said to his disciples:“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven."

My mother loves to decorate her apartment with unique items.  Everything from a large stone rosary in the living room to an authentic Mola in the dining room.  A small 1920's painting hangs in the bathroom and a voodoo Pillsbury Dough Boy in the kitchen.  My sister and I joke about who will inherit what. Maybe I will end up with the green Depression glasses, if my sister doesn't snatch them up first.  As my mom reminds us:  After I die, you can fight over my stuff!  

I prefer avoiding a family feud.  Instead, I rather cherish as many years with my mother as possible, appreciating her prized possessions together as mother and daughter. She has a great story behind each treasure.  Some her decorative objects originate from her travels to foreign countries.

I look forward to a heavenly inheritance more than a family inheritance.  All of the material possessions I collect in my life will not fit in a casket or an urn.  I cannot take a car, book collection, cell phone, or even my dog into the afterlife.  So, why worry about what I inherit in the future?  Why not just be happy with the present?

This brings about the ultimate question:  How can we inherit the Kingdom of God?  Well, we can follow the Ten Commandments, practice The Beatitudes, and spread the good news of Christ to others.  Love our enemies and follow the Golden Rule.  Practice humility and honesty.  Pray for others.  Relish in our faith and trust in God.  Does this sound easy?  Not at all. 

Our own pride, vanity and sensuality often confuses us.  Doing the right thing is boring.  Being nice to everyone doesnt insight a whole lot of drama!  What would happen if the first story on the evening news featured a person saving a life instead of murdering one?  People would stare at their television screens in shock.  Wow, a life actually saved!  Something positive happening in the world today!

Just think with our heavenly inheritance we will finally encounter peace.  No more bad news to keep us in a perpetual state of fear and anxiety.  No more worry about scraping enough money for food, clothing and shelter.  No more sickness, pain, and depression.  We will stand next to Jesus, Our Blessed Mother, and the Saints in celebration.  We made it!  We are now in heaven for all of eternity!

Lord, Lord!  We love you and praise you.  Please forgive us of our sins and protect us from evil.  We want to join you in heaven someday.  Give us the guidance and strength to follow your Will, especially during times of pain and suffering.  In the Father's name, Amen.


"In thee, Oh Lord, I put my hope.  Let me never be confounded."  - Saint Francis Xavier