Obtaining Heaven
by The Rev. Jason Tardiff, BOSA
Who gets to heaven? How do you get to heaven? Those are the questions that have plagued Christians and Christianity since its institution. And there is no real answer.
Some would say that believing in Jesus and living a righteous life would would earn you a way into heaven. Others would say that belief alone, is not enough it is through actions in Christ's name that get you in.
According to Matthew 7:21-27, just proclaiming Jesus is Lord and doing 'mighty' deeds in his name won't earn you a pass to heave. "Huh?" you might say. You would say 'I believe and great and wonderful things in the name of the Lord.' 'I give millions to charity' etc. But what about the simple things? Things like helping an elderly person out of a store when he or she is struggling with his/her bags. The simple smile to a neighbor in the morning, etc.
It is neither the grandeur and gusto that we proclaim the Gospel which earns us the favor of heaven nor is it simply living the Gospel. It is the intent in our minds and our hearts as we go proclaiming and living the life Christ has meant for us that grants us a better chance into heaven.
Take the words of Christ and his actions, make them a part of your life much like the breath you breathe. When do this and follow his guidance you will build a good foundation for your life and your life in the here after. In doing so you would “build your house on a rock” rather than “sand”.
Amen
Father Tardiff is a Benedictine and Oblate Priest of the Order of St. Michael the Archangel. He is the co-director of Guadalupe House in Bedford, TX and the Chancellor of the Diocese of Texas. He is also the national treasurer of the Benedictine Order.
Who gets to heaven? How do you get to heaven? Those are the questions that have plagued Christians and Christianity since its institution. And there is no real answer.
Some would say that believing in Jesus and living a righteous life would would earn you a way into heaven. Others would say that belief alone, is not enough it is through actions in Christ's name that get you in.
According to Matthew 7:21-27, just proclaiming Jesus is Lord and doing 'mighty' deeds in his name won't earn you a pass to heave. "Huh?" you might say. You would say 'I believe and great and wonderful things in the name of the Lord.' 'I give millions to charity' etc. But what about the simple things? Things like helping an elderly person out of a store when he or she is struggling with his/her bags. The simple smile to a neighbor in the morning, etc.
It is neither the grandeur and gusto that we proclaim the Gospel which earns us the favor of heaven nor is it simply living the Gospel. It is the intent in our minds and our hearts as we go proclaiming and living the life Christ has meant for us that grants us a better chance into heaven.
Take the words of Christ and his actions, make them a part of your life much like the breath you breathe. When do this and follow his guidance you will build a good foundation for your life and your life in the here after. In doing so you would “build your house on a rock” rather than “sand”.
Amen
Father Tardiff is a Benedictine and Oblate Priest of the Order of St. Michael the Archangel. He is the co-director of Guadalupe House in Bedford, TX and the Chancellor of the Diocese of Texas. He is also the national treasurer of the Benedictine Order.
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