Meditation on Colossians 3: 1-2 (Easter’s Second Reading)

This Sunday’s second reading, Colossians 3:1-4, is a powerful passage that challenges us to shift our focus from earthly things to heavenly things. When figuring out how to apply this letter from St. Paul to our daily lives, we find inspiration to help us manage our money with an eternal perspective.

“If you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.” (Colossians 3:1-2)

This passage reminds us that our life’s true goal is to seek God’s will and to live our lives in a way that honors him. When we focus on heavenly things, we can’t help but recognize that our material possessions are temporary and that our true treasure is in Christ. 

St. Faustina wrote in her diary (1338), “I know that God is my ultimate goal and so, in whatever I undertake, I take God into account.” This perspective can help us to make wise money decisions that are aligned with God’s will. For example, we may choose to live more simply, to give more generously, and to invest in experiences that bring us closer to God and to others.

“For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3: 3-4)

These verses remind us that our identity is in Christ, not in our possessions or our financial status. Our net worth should never be confused with our self-worth. C.S. Lewis once said, “God can’t give us peace and happiness apart from Himself because there is no such thing.” Our self-worth is directly tied to the fact that we are made in his image and likeness. It’s not tied to our checking account balance or the kind of car we drive. We can find peace and security in knowing that our ultimate reward is in heaven.

May we all strive to seek God’s will in our personal finances and to use our resources in a way that honors him.