I am my brother’s keeper

I still think about my conversation with my older brother last week when I visited him. “It’s amazing that we’ve both reached this age,” I told him. “How quickly time has flown by,” I added. “I still remember our youthful years growing up together.”

“Yes,” he responded, “I’m scared.” “What are you scared of?” I asked. “I’m scared of dying,” he replied. “Well, we’ll all face that eventually,” I remarked. “But why are you afraid of dying?” I inquired. “I suppose I shouldn’t be,” he responded. “After all, I already have my passport to heaven.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, confused. “Well, I consider you my passport,” he explained. “What? You mean me—your brother, a priest—as your passport to heaven?” I laughed.

I find myself amused by my brother’s remark that I am his passport to heaven. What a tremendous responsibility that is! In a way, he is right; I truly am my “brother’s keeper.” I must ensure that he, along with all my loved ones and friends, reaches heaven. This aligns with the fundamental message of God: we are called to bring His people back to Him.

In other words, I should not focus solely on my own salvation. I need to consider and work toward the salvation of others as well. Otherwise, the religion I practice becomes merely a “Me and Jesus” faith. Our Christian belief, however, is broader; it encompasses our collective responsibility for one another’s spiritual well-being and salvation. This responsibility stems from our fundamental love for one another.

As we approach the somber days of November, when we celebrate All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, let’s be more conscious of our duty to take care of each other’s spiritual well-being. We should remember that the virtues of love, piety, compassion, service, charity, and generosity are not just for our benefit but also for those we cherish. We pray that Jesus will look upon us with mercy and carry our loved ones before the throne of His Father in heaven.