In the first reading, Heaven-bound thinking underscores the mother and son’s behaviour. They understood that though the tyrannical king had power over their mortal bodies, he had no power over their minds and hearts which belonged to God alone. Even as they approached a torturous death their focus was on the day they would be reunited in heaven, trusting that God would vindicate and uphold them. We have been entrusted with gifts, talents, and abilities. Whatever our role in life we are called to put God first. We are called to invest all that he has given us in our own spheres of influence for the building of God’s kingdom. The more we invest in building the kingdom of God the more riches we amass in heaven. God’s great women and men understood this and happily gave up everything. One of these is St Elizabeth of Hungary born a Princess and married at a young age to a German nobleman, she led a simple life devoting herself to works of charity.

Prayer: Abba Father, show me how you want me to invest the gifts, talents, and abilities you have given me. Amen