One of the desires of families as it was then and as it is now, is to preserve whatever wealth they have. One way this becomes a reality is through marriage. Yes, there are people who enter marriage not principally out of love but to preserve the wealth.

That is why in the Gospel story of the seven brothers having to marry the same woman, they do so one after the other so that the wealth does not go to the woman’s family. But what does Jesus remind the people? Three things:

1. Material wealth is temporary. We came into the world with nothing, we are leaving the world with nothing. Hence, do not give so much focus and energy on things that we cannot bring to the next life. 
2. There is eternal life. In other words, after our life on earth, it is not the end. In fact, it is the start. Why then focus on the things that are passing and fleeting when we can focus on things that are important and essential?
3. What is the basis for eternal life? In one of His teachings, Jesus said that at the judgment, the sheep will be separated from the goat. The sheep are the blessed and the goat are the cursed. The difference? The words of Christ, “Whatever you do to the least of your brethren you do unto me.”

Let us always live life to the fullest. Yes, we all have our challenges and storms in life. Yet, we can continue to be a blessing to others. After all, what matters is gaining eternal life – “Whatever you do to the least of your brethren you do unto me.”