Life Is Short… But Eternity Never Ends
“Life is short and death is sure,
The hour of death remains obscure.
A soul you have, and only one,
If that be lost, all hope is gone.
Waste not time while time shall last,
For after death ’tis ever past.
All-seeing God, your Judge will be,
And Heaven or Hell your destiny.
All earthly things will speed away,
Eternity alone will stay.”
These simple verses have echoed through Christian history because they speak a truth that every generation needs to hear. They are not meant to frighten us but to awaken us. They remind us that life is a precious gift from God, one that should never be taken for granted.
Every morning we wake is another opportunity to love God, serve others, forgive, pray, and grow in holiness. Yet how often do we become consumed with the temporary things of this world? We spend countless hours pursuing wealth, entertainment, possessions, and recognition, while giving little thought to the one journey every one of us must make—the journey into eternity.
Jesus Himself repeatedly told His followers to be ready.
“Be watchful! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.”
— Matthew 24:42
The hour of our death truly remains unknown. No amount of wealth, influence, or technology can postpone it forever. Kings, presidents, billionaires, and the poorest among us all stand equal before God.
The One Possession That Lasts Forever
The poem says:
“A soul you have, and only one.”
Nothing we own will accompany us beyond the grave. Not our home. Not our bank account. Not our achievements.
Only our soul will stand before the Lord.
That is why Jesus urged us:
“Store up treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys.”
Every act of kindness, every sincere prayer, every sacrifice offered out of love, every confession made with a repentant heart, every Holy Communion received worthily, every act of forgiveness—these become treasures that can never be taken away.
Time Is God’s Gift
The older we become, the more quickly the years seem to pass.
Yesterday we were children.
Today we may be grandparents.
Tomorrow we will stand before Christ.
How wise it is, then, to use each day well.
- Pray every day.
- Read God’s Word.
- Attend Mass faithfully.
- Receive the Sacraments.
- Love your family.
- Help those in need.
- Forgive quickly.
- Trust completely in God’s mercy.
None of us knows how many tomorrows remain.
Heaven Is Worth Everything
The world offers many promises but cannot satisfy the deepest longing of the human heart.
Only God can.
Imagine the joy of Heaven—seeing God face to face, reunited with loved ones who died in Christ, joining the saints and angels in endless praise, where there is no sickness, no pain, no tears, and no death.
Compared to eternity, even the longest earthly life is but a brief moment.
As Saint Paul reminds us:
“Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18)
A Final Thought
One day our work will be finished.
One day our calendar will close.
One day our earthly journey will end.
When that day comes, may we hear the words every Christian longs to hear:
“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Master.”
Let us live today with eternity in mind.
For while all earthly things will speed away, eternity alone will stay.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me never to lose sight of eternity. Teach me to use each day wisely, to love You with all my heart, to serve others with joy, and to remain faithful until the end. May my life bring You glory, and when You call me home, may I rejoice forever in Your heavenly kingdom. Amen.all seeing God, your Judge will be, And Heaven or Hell your destiny. All earthly things will speed away, Etdernity, alone will stay