By Msgr. Joseph Prior • Posted August 8, 2025

(See the readings for the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

How do you want to be remembered? If we look at a few famous tombstone epitaphs we might get some ideas. Thomas Jefferson wanted to be remembered as the “Author of the Declaration of Independence, of the Statue of Virginia for Religious Freedom and the Father of the University of Virginia;” Jesse James’ estate apparently wanted him remembered for his death – “Murdered by a traitor and coward whose name is not worthy to appear here;” Ludolph van Ceulen simply wanted this on his tombstone – “3.14159265358979323846264338327950288.”

A couple others I found on the internet were: “He earned millions of dollars” and another “Philadelphia – London – Paris, my three homes.”

These are highly unique and would seem unusual answers to the question of remembrance. In 2021, a survey was taken asking the question and the top 10 answers seem to hit home more directly. When asked for what an individual wanted to be remembered, the top answer was “being a good person.” The next nine in order were: “being kind,” “caring,” “loyal,” “helpful,” “a good listener,” “loving,” “happy” and finally, “a good spouse.”

I recently read an article that suggests the answers we give to the question above points not so much to a future (death) but to the present. In other words, the way we want to be remembered will influence the manner in which we act today. It may be helpful when we consider the Gospel passage for this Sunday’s liturgy.

Jesus speaks of being prepared, keeping vigilance and anticipating judgment. The theme is a continuation from last week’s Gospel. Jesus begins by first telling his disciples not to fear, because God has chosen to give them the kingdom. He has bestowed his kingdom on them. This is the gift of greatest value for it endures forever.

He then encourages them to have this as the highest value in life – a “treasure.” This treasure is not what the world would consider a treasure. This one consists of giving to the poor and caring for them. This treasure is placing a value on things that endure forever like love, compassion, kindness, faithfulness and mercy. Jesus’ summary statement reads, “for where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.”

Jesus then continues with an emphasis on vigilance in this regard. He uses the image of servants awaiting the master’s return. The ones who stay vigilant, in other words, the ones who keep the kingdom and its way of life foremost in thought and action, will be ready to greet the master whenever he arrives.

Since we do not know the day nor hour of the coming of the Son of Man (the divine judge), vigilance needs to be part of our life in the kingdom. The theme is echoed in Jesus’ discussion with Peter with the added dimension of responsible leadership for “much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.” The leadership is to be exercised as service.

Vigilance is founded on faith. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom speaks of the anticipation of Passover. The anticipation was based on faith in the Lord, that he would be true to his promise and deliver his people. So the people awaited for their deliverance with hope.

The Letter to the Hebrews recalls that Abraham’s faith enabled him to leave his inheritance and homeland; to venture forth to a new land filled with hope; to trust that his baren wife would conceive and bring forth an heir; and to offer that son in sacrifice when tested. Faith, like Abraham’s, fuels vigilance.

The question “how do I want to be remembered?” clearly but gently moves us to think about death. The preparation for death is not the act of dying but that of living. Our lives are a gift. Jesus offers us the Kingdom of God and the treasures it houses. He gives these gifts to us not only in anticipation of eternal life but also for the journey. Jesus urges us to vigilance so that we might always be alert to this journey and joyfully reach its intended end.

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Msgr. Joseph Prior is pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish, Penndel, and a former professor of Sacred Scripture and rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.