One reality of life is being prepared. For students who have an examination tomorrow, the challenge to prepare is by reading, researching, studying, and even memorizing. For a lawyer with a court case, the challenge to prepare is by studying the facts, the evidence, and talking to the witnesses. For a priest going to celebrate Mass, the challenge to prepare is by the Eucharistic fast, prayer, and coming up with a good homily. Indeed, preparation is a part of life.

It is not only this life that we should prepare for. The Gospel always reminds us to prepare for eternal life. What makes this preparation more difficult is that we do not know the hour or the day that our journey on earth will end. However, the inevitable should be done – be prepared.

3 things we could do to prepare for life eternal:

1. “Whatever you do to the least of your brethren, you do unto me.” In one of his teachings, Jesus gave the scenario of what it would be like on the judgement day. The sheep on the right and the goats on the left. Jesus asks us how did we treat others, especially those who have less in life? When I was hungry, did you give me something to eat? Thirsty and you gave me something to drink? Imprisoned and sick, and you visited me?
2. Proper use of the talents we were given. Jesus once gave the parable of the talents. He said that those who know how to use their talents, those who blessed other people’s lives with their talents, and those who know how to share their talents will be blessed. It is in giving that we receive. “Those who use their talents will never have to work a day in their lives.”
3. Deny Yourself. The many things we enjoy now are because of people who have denied themselves. Just think of the sacrifices of your parents, which often we only get to appreciate when we become parents ourselves. If you look at the life of anyone who has blessed you, they have “denied” themselves and they have sacrificed a lot for us. Now the question is, whose lives are we blessing?