(2 Kgs 11:1-4, 9-18, 20 / Mt 6:19-23): Make us people who fill the world with the light of heaven
In truth, everything in this world is proven and felt to be valuable simply because of the existence of "myself." This world, which we only perceived instinctively at birth, gradually approaches us, adding meaning and color, so that everything around us—both tangible and intangible—comes to possess its own reason for being.
Thus, from birth until the conclusion of our earthly journey, we follow the soul and reason given to us by God, utilizing everything we are granted to build the meaning of our lives. Yet, when the time comes, we must accept the destiny of leaving behind everything that existed and departing once again with a light step, leaving only that meaning behind.
Ultimately, without exception, through the "fleeting moment" given to us, we leave behind a memory of what kind of person we were through our words, thoughts, and deeds. What we leave behind reveals what we focused on in life, and allows those beside us to reflect on how we influenced them.
In the Second Book of Kings, chapter 11, verse 20, it is written: "All the people of the land rejoiced and the city was quiet, now that Athaliah had been slain with the sword at the royal palace."
How tragic it is when a person’s departure from this life brings joy and peace to others instead of sorrow. In life, anyone whose words carve a deep wound into someone's heart becomes the most foolish person of all—ensuring that they are remembered in the wounded heart as someone to be erased.
Where, then, do you place your highest value? Where do you keep your heart, what do your eyes look upon, and how do your ears listen to others? The way you hold things in your heart, focus on them, and listen to them will ultimately become the foundation of the influence you pass on to others. Through your heart, have you brightened this world? Through your eyes, have you prayed while looking at this world with the Lord’s wonder and gratitude for His grace? Through your ears, have you learned to listen humbly and speak words of encouragement, or have you lowered others' self-esteem and dampened their passion?
When we meet someone who offers cold criticism or advice from a self-centered perspective—failing to see our best efforts or earnest sweat—we feel a pain like a sharp icicle piercing us, and our hearts close shut. Even when someone says they are advising you so that you can do better, if it is not entirely rooted in love, it is not advice; it is merely blame. In those moments, though we can rely on the Lord's mercy to forgive, the heart to readily love grows distant. But when we meet someone who gives us courage and strength, we feel God's warm gaze in their tender encouragement, and we are revitalized.
In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 6, verses 20 through 23, the Lord says:
"But store up treasures for yourself in heaven... For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be. The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light; but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness."
What we focus on occupies our heart; what colors our heart dissolves into our soul; and those dissolved thoughts flow out into the words that influence others.
Be a person who stands on the earth but keeps your eyes fixed on heaven. The more we long for heaven while acknowledging our poverty—that we came from dust and to dust we shall return—the more a humble demeanor will naturally grace our words and deeds. Furthermore, though we are fragile creatures who cannot escape this earth, we become blessed people of grace, called by God’s mercy and love. With the eyes given by the Lord, look past the shortcomings of others, and brighten your vision to find their radiant beauty. Only when we possess such a positive gaze can we dye ourselves with light rather than darkness, and become individuals who illuminate others with that same light.
The Lord has granted us every instrument of grace to beautifully brighten the world. Looking toward heaven and filling ourselves with heaven, let us utilize all these instruments to the fullest in love, so that together, we may build a beautiful life where the Lord's love is deeply felt. Amen.