The simple, black and white structure of a problem is:1) state the problem; 2) fix the problem; 3) live happily ever after. It is true that individuals overanalyze and complicate what doesn’t need to be complicated, but I was always taught simplifying what needs to be done makes situations much easier to handle. So, ever since I was little I told myself to follow the directions and things will get done. But is that really success? When John delivers the revelation from God to His servants, he says that they have done well; they have done everything asked of them, even suffering for God and being a martyr to His name. But he then asks them: Where is your heart? Where is the love that you showed me in the beginning?

There are many individuals in life who describe success as “success-with-a-paycheck.” The practical mind cannot argue that “money makes the world go around,” but I believe that love for oneself and for others is worth more than any paycheck. In this passage, God challenges those who follow the rules and those who go through the motions to reflect back and get to the heart of the matter. Everyday is a challenge to look for the heart of the matter; to look for the reasons why we believe in the things we believe, believe in the people we believe, and believe in ourselves. A constant struggle of my own is how often I am faithful – to my faith. Attend mass: one point. Help someone up the stairs: two points. But it’s not about points. It’s not about a 1, 2, 3 structure. It is about heart and it is about getting to the real reasons as to why we act nobly and honorably; with that we will always live happily ever after.