Knowing that life does not end with death, but continues for an eternity, then it takes a pause in life and really considering what is most important to each person.

Yesterday, I was at a family reunion, because it was 9 years since my paternal grandfather passed away. I was meeting with all my uncles and aunts. The topic of discussion was precisely what is really important to each of us. We had read the biblical portions referring to the rich man and Lazarus. A family discussion was held about this biblical portion and we analyzed the life of the rich man, who had all the comforts that included clothes, shoes, food and did not lack a daily celebration.

This rich man died and sadly went straight to Hades. The wealth he possessed, although important to him, could not save him.

Later, we discussed the life of Lazarus, who being poor and sick with sores, he feared God. When Lazarus died, the angels descended and brought him into the presence of Father Abraham. Lazarus was in a place of rest and the rich man in a place of torment.

When we analyzed the lives of these two men, we were able to conclude as a family that the material goods and wealth of this earthly life, although they seem to be important, are not really the most important. Life continues even after death, therefore, the most important thing is to have the guarantee and security of spending an eternity in heaven and not in hell.

It is required, then, to make the decision of Lazarus and be a man fearing God, therefore, the most important thing in this life is to receive Christ as the savior of our soul, in order to have the guarantee and security of an eternal life serving and worshiping God.

Based on this reflection, my family understood that my paternal grandfather, although he has passed away, is at this moment, in a place called paradise, where all the saints are in Christ waiting for the great resurrection.

My uncles who have not yet received Christ as Savior, were very thoughtful and reflecting on the word we read in Luke 16: 22-25

22 And it came to pass that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried.
23 And in Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and saw Abraham far off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24 Then he, crying out, said: Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; because I am tormented in this flame.
25 But Abraham said to him, "Son, remember that you received your good things in your life, and Lazarus also bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are tormented.