At the heart of Christianity is the conviction that tomorrow holds the promise of being better than today. Such is the hope that sustains us when the sun sets at the end of each day. Whether or not today may be deemed good, or almost good, tomorrow is pregnant with possibility.  

This positive attitude toward tomorrow is grounded in what God reveals to humanity through Jesus Christ. Our final destiny is to dwell in the eternal presence of God. Rich or poor, young or old, famous or not, to be in God is our ultimate vocation.  

There is, however, a slippery slope ingrained in this talk about the future. Many Christians throughout history have fallen into the trap of conformism, failing to ask critical questions about the status quo that prevents countless people from flourishing. Others are too comfortable justifying the unjustifiable, even when it is contradictory to our faith and values. Both groups fall short of their prophetical potential by taking for granted a better tomorrow.  

Talk about the future must take seriously the question of justice. If our hope for a better future is dismissive of the unjust conditions of the present, then we have not understood the message of Jesus.  

Eternal life in God is a gift that we can embrace or refuse. It is a gift that begins in the here and now of our lives and receiving it in fullness involves considerations about our existence as a whole.  

We can listen to Jesus’ wisdom on how life decisions, just and unjust, play a role in defining our ultimate relationship with God. Or we can listen to other voices. The choice is ours.