What is important in life? This is the question proposed today in the readings. The first reading mentions it is futile to try to decipher God, to try to attain knowledge of on high when there is no knowledge of what is going on here below. Some people think acquiring a superior knowledge, pursuing the latest philosophy, or having so many diplomas is what life is about. The first reading says human knowledge is limited and no one will be able to figure out God only through the mind, the heart is needed as well. Being too heady, is not what is important. The second reading is a beautiful reading because St. Paul is interceding on behalf of his beloved son in the faith, called Onesimus. At that time slavery was still practiced but there was dilemma on those slaves converting to Christ. Should they be treated the same? Should they be treated differently now that they were Christians? St. Paul does not resolve the question of slavery but is specific in asking for Philemon to treat Onesimus as he would treat him. The second reading reminds how painful was slavery, but also that we should always treat people like human beings of equal dignity and as brothers and sisters in Christ and to not lord power over others. The reading continues to remind what has been said in the last couple of weeks that life’s happiness does not consist on having many possessions, but how we treat others. Finally, the Gospel reading is very strong in saying we need to renounce family to be disciples. This is a radical call for some, like priests who leave their house behind so that they can enter the seminary and then be ordained to help other families. For most people, this calling means put God before family, or even more precise put the family before God. It means the family will benefit from having God first in their lives. Some people think their family life will be okay without God being part of it. However, problems in family life continue to pile on, and when they realize it the damage to the family is already done. It’s too late and parents lament the time lost and how their grown children are now living. Others think they need to be good with God before they come into church. But the order is reverse. People come to Church because they need God to bless their families with his Eucharistic presence. The Gospel reading then says take care of God first, and God will take care of your family. Going back to the original question, the important thing in life is not having a superior knowledge, it is not having many possessions or power over others. The important thing in life is cherishing family life with God at its center. Let us pray that we have priorities in life, and we keep them in good order: God first, and all else will be blessed including family life.