129. Q. Do not men differ in many things?

 

What Truly Matters: Understanding the Differences and True Equality Among People

We often notice that people around us are different in many ways. Some may be wealthy, some may have a lot of knowledge, and others may hold positions of power. These differences are very visible and sometimes, they make us feel unequal or less important. But, let's take a moment to think deeply about what truly matters in life, beyond all these external things. This is what the Baltimore Catechism teaches us in its response to the following question:

Question 129: Do not men differ in many things?

Answer: "Men differ in many things, such as learning, wealth, power, etc.; but these things belong to the world and not man’s nature. He came into this world without them and he will leave it without them. Only the consequences of good or evil done in this world will accompany men to the next."

Let’s explore what this answer means in a simple, yet meaningful way.

1. We Are Different in Many Ways, But These Are Not What Define Us

It’s true that people differ in many things. Some are rich, and some are poor. Some are highly educated, while others have little formal education. Some people have influential jobs, while others do not. But here’s the key point: these differences are all related to the material world. They don’t define our true worth as human beings. They are like clothes we wear – they can be changed, they can be taken off, and they don’t change who we really are underneath.

Examples of Differences:

• Learning: Some people are scholars or experts in their fields. They’ve studied a lot and know many things. Others may not have had the chance to go to school, or they may have struggled with learning. But this knowledge or lack of it doesn’t determine their value as a person.
• Wealth: Some people are born into rich families or become wealthy through their work. Others may struggle financially their whole lives. Yet, money is just a tool we use to live in this world. It doesn’t go with us when we die, and it doesn’t make one person better than another.
• Power: Some hold positions of authority, like leaders or managers. They make decisions that affect others. But power is also temporary. It can be lost in an instant and doesn’t follow us into the next life.

2. What We Bring Into This World and What We Take With Us

When we are born, we come into this world with nothing. We don’t bring any money, knowledge, or power with us. We come as helpless infants, relying on others to take care of us. And when we die, we also leave everything behind. Our money, possessions, titles, and even our physical bodies stay in this world. The only thing that goes with us is our soul.

So, what truly matters is not how much we have or know, but how we live our lives and how we treat others.

3. The Consequences of Our Actions Are What Matter Most

We might not be able to take our wealth or power with us, but there is something very important that we do take when we leave this world: the consequences of our actions, whether good or bad. This is what really matters in the end.

Understanding Good and Evil:

• Good Deeds: Acts of kindness, love, forgiveness, and generosity. These are the treasures we build up in heaven. When we help someone in need, speak the truth, or forgive someone who has hurt us, we are making choices that have eternal value. These actions make our soul more beautiful and pleasing to God.
• Evil Actions: Acts of selfishness, dishonesty, and harm towards others. These actions damage our soul and separate us from God’s love. But the good news is that we can always repent and ask for God’s forgiveness. He is always ready to welcome us back with open arms.

4. Living for What Truly Matters

Now that we understand that worldly things like wealth, power, and knowledge are temporary, how should we live our lives? Here are some practical steps:

Focus on Love and Kindness:

• Be Kind to Everyone: Whether it’s a family member, a neighbor, or a stranger, treat everyone with kindness and respect. Every act of kindness is like a seed that grows into a beautiful flower in God’s garden.
• Help Those in Need: Look around you and see who might need help. It could be someone who is lonely and needs a friend, or someone who is struggling and needs assistance. Helping others is a way to show God’s love in action.

Seek to Do Good Always:

• Choose to Do What is Right: In every situation, ask yourself, “What would God want me to do?” Choosing to do the right thing, even when it’s hard, is what brings us closer to God.
• Forgive and Let Go of Anger: If someone has hurt you, try to forgive them. Holding onto anger only hurts you. When you forgive, you free yourself from bitterness and make room for peace in your heart.

Live with Gratitude and Humility:

• Be Thankful: Whatever your situation, there is always something to be thankful for. Gratitude turns what we have into enough and helps us see God’s blessings in our lives.
• Stay Humble: Remember that everything we have is a gift from God. Whether we are rich or poor, educated or not, we should always be humble, knowing that we are all equally loved by God.

5. Finding True Peace and Joy

When we live focused on doing good, loving others, and staying close to God, we find true peace and joy. This peace doesn’t come from money or success, but from knowing that we are living as God wants us to. It’s the kind of peace that remains even in difficult times because we know that we are never alone—God is always with us.

6. What Can We Take with Us When We Leave This World?

As the Catechism reminds us, we can’t take material things with us when we die. But we do take the state of our soul. So, let’s ask ourselves:

• Am I living in a way that prepares me to meet God?
• Am I doing my best to love and serve others?
• Am I asking for God’s forgiveness when I make mistakes?

If we can answer “yes” to these questions, then we are on the right path.

Conclusion: The True Measure of a Person

In the end, the true measure of a person is not what they own or how much they know, but how they live their life. God created us out of love and for love. He wants us to share that love with others, to live in peace, and to be happy with Him forever.

No matter what our circumstances are, we can always choose to do good and live a life that is pleasing to God. This is what will truly matter when we leave this world. So, let’s focus on what’s really important—our relationship with God and how we treat others. In this way, we will be building a treasure in heaven that will never fade away.

May God bless you and guide you as you live your life with love, kindness, and a heart full of gratitude, knowing that you are precious in His eyes!