The Book of Job (1:6-22) offers us a profound perspective on life’s fleeting nature. Job, in his suffering, reflects, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return” (Job 1:21). His words remind us that everything we accumulate and achieve in this life will ultimately be left behind when we depart from this world.
We often hear people speak of a “bucket list”—a list of things they wish to experience before they die. "I am reminded of a film titled ‘The Bucket List’ which is a heartwarming film that explores life’s deeper meaning through the unexpected friendship of two terminally ill men, played by Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. As they embark on a journey to complete a list of dreams and adventures, the movie delves into themes of mortality, forgiveness, and self-discovery. With humor and poignancy, it reminds us that life’s true richness lies not in the number of days we have but in how we choose to live them—making each moment count, embracing the joy of connection, relationship and daring to pursue the dreams we’ve put on hold."
What We Carry into Eternity
Yet, have we ever thought about what truly matters in the end? Unlike the bucket list, there is also a casket list. The so-called “casket list” focuses on what people want to take with them to the grave. Ancient kings and pharaohs filled their tombs with treasures, believing they could carry their wealth into the afterlife, and they also had human beings buried with them, who would serve them in their afterlife. But Job’s words echo a timeless truth: we came into this world with nothing, and we will leave it with nothing. All our possessions, achievements, and accolades will mean nothing when our time on earth is done.
So, what can we take with us when we go? The only thing we can carry into eternity is God’s love and our response to it. How have we loved others? How have we shared our blessings? How have we glorified God through our lives?
Standing Before God
While a bucket list can inspire us to live more fully, let us remember that our true legacy is not found in the places we visit or the accolades we gather, but in how we’ve embraced God’s love and shared it with others. When we stand before God, He won’t ask us about the countries we traveled to or the adventures we had, but rather about how we loved, forgave, and sacrificed for others.
As we reflect on our own lives, let us remember that God’s love is what gives meaning to every moment we have. May we live each day seeking to draw closer to Him, so that when our earthly journey ends, we can say with Job, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
- Today’s Readings
- Father Pinto's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and Rosary) at the 30-minute mark on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
