“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18)
UPDATE 2/8/2025: It appears that the underlying story about this post may not be true based on the following article sent to me by a family member: https://ask.metafilter.com/301359/Does-anyone-know-the-inscriptions-on-the-doors-of-the-Milan-Cathedral
While disappointing, I’m leaving this post up since the scripture verses quoted at the beginning and my thoughts after are still what I believe are valid thoughts on how we experience and process the good and bad times we all encounter in this life. My goal is never to mislead, so I’m adding this comment for those who may stumble upon this post later.
Over the triple doorways of the Cathedral of Milan there are three inscriptions spanning the splendid arches.
- Over one is carved a beautiful wreath of roses, and underneath is the legend: “All that which pleases is but for a moment.”
- Over the other is sculptured a cross, and there are the words: “All that which troubles us is but for a moment.”
- But underneath the great central entrance to the main aisle is the inscription: “That only is important which is eternal.”
How true – think back on the pains and pleasures you’ve experienced over your life.
While in the midst of them, our troubles sometimes seemed like they would never end. In times of pleasure we hoped they would continue. But all things come to an end, and we often spend our time focusing on the past either reliving the troubles and pains or trying to recreate the good times. But Paul is writing on fixing our eyes on what lies ahead.
There is a story about a student from Africa giving his first sermon in an elementary preaching class. He chose a text describing the joys we’ll share when Christ returns and ushers us to our heavenly home. “I’ve been in the United States for several months now,” he began. “I’ve seen the great wealth that is here—the fine homes and cars and clothes. I’ve listened to many sermons in churches here, too. But I’ve yet to hear one sermon about heaven. Because everyone has so much in this country, no one preaches about heaven. People here don’t seem to need it. In my country most people have very little, so we preach on heaven all the time. We know how much we need it.”
Those who fix their eyes on heaven will not be distracted by the things of earth.
Dead Man Walking 
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