Fr. Maassen's Message - 08/27/2023

Is there baseball in Heaven? If so, is Heaven like the movie Field of Dreams? Do players play, and fans watch?
 
A lot of people like to watch baseball games. My grandfather watched many Atlanta Braves games on television years ago - more than the St. Louis Cardinals. I would rather watch the Masters (an annual golf tournament in Augusta, Ga.) than a baseball game on television and would rather be in Augusta in person than be at a Cardinals game.
 
Our preferences change over time. Twenty years ago, I would have thought watching the Masters on television would have been boring. Not too long ago, I could have watched the Masters for hours. Now, I don't know where I'm at about watching it.
 
I am reminded of the line from Sacred Scripture, "Since you have been raised up in company with Christ, set your heart on what pertains to higher realms where Christ is seated at God's right hand. Be intent on things above rather than on things of Earth." (Colossians 3:1-2)
 
An antiphon that I have used in the Liturgy of the Hours (the official prayer of the Church that priests and religious say) is similar, "Since you have been raised to life with Christ, seek the things that are above, alleluia."
 
So, here's what I think - some of my interests, pursuits, and hobbies on earth are interfering with the things of Heaven. Do these interests and activities help me live the Gospel? Do they take me away from prayer, developing intimacy with God, and living His love? Am I too rooted in the things of Earth rather than the things above? Am I too preoccupied with temporal things as opposed to things of eternity?
 
I am not saying hobbies and pursuits are bad. They are for this Earth, and the things above are much more important.