According to Jesus, it's quite possible that people who are attentive to their clothing here on earth can be totally unaware of their need to dress up for eternity. These folks are constantly asking questions like "What are we to wear?" (Mt 6:31) They worry about what they will "use for clothing" (Mt 6:25), and are quite concerned about their clothes (Mt 6:28). Ironically, they won't give a thought to what to wear to the heavenly banquet.

The irony is that our efforts to be well-dressed are ineffective; God Himself provides (Mt 6:30) the clothing we will need to enter the heavenly kingdom. In preparation for the banquet, He washes us (Ez 36:25) clean with the waters of Baptism. He cleanses us from the stain of sin (Ez 36:25) which would keep us away from the banquet. God then gives us a new, natural heart, that is, the new nature required to belong to the heavenly family (Ez 36:26). He adds the final touch by clothing us with a new Spirit (Ez 36:27). God gives us everything we need to prepare us for eternity. The only thing we need say is "Yes."

Sadly, those who have a lot to say about clothes on earth will have "nothing to say" (Mt 22:12) when they aren't properly dressed for eternity. The "clothes horse" on earth who neglected their heavenly clothes will sadly spend eternity wailing themselves hoarse (Mt 22:13).

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, February 7, 2002

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 12, 2002