You can imagine my surprise when I realized I’d never written about heaven, our eternal home. I’d thought about it, sure, but my life was mostly focused on how to get through each day here on earth. Yet, Colossians 3:2 tells us to “Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.”
Heaven is real. Scripture and teachings of the Church point to this reality. We’ve heard testimony from those who have died and come back. After near-death experiences, people return to this life with a new sense of wonder, a stronger faith, and no fear of death. They are filled with awe, and their priorities have changed forever. When Our Blessed Mother accepted death before her victorious assumption into heaven, she showed us that we need not fear, but should look forward to our eternal reward. There are pleasures prepared that we cannot comprehend.
When Our Blessed Mother accepted death before her victorious assumption into heaven, she showed us that we need not fear, but should look forward to our eternal reward.
Praying every day
Was I just going to muddle my way through or take a more active approach into this journey to our forever home? Reaching out to others is a sure-fire way to forget our own troubles. Look outward, not inward. Every time you bring a smile to someone else’s face it warms your own heart. The main character in Gladiator, Maximus Decimus Meridius, said, “What we do in life echoes in eternity.”
We can go to Mass every day, but if we’re not reaching out to others, are we growing spiritually? I was content in my own complacent way, but I feel like there’s more. The Rosary is one of the best ways we can come to know Jesus and Mary better. They each give us clear examples of how to live a faith-filled life.
It’s too easy to be caught up in worldly things and pursuits — too easy to ignore that examination of conscience we need before confession, or any time. In fact, a daily examination could keep us on that narrow path. Do we spend our time wisely or squander it away on foolish things? Do we realize the wonder and glory that awaits us if we are faithful servants? Or is it just a vague distant dream?
Many of us have loved ones who have gone before us. We miss them and yearn for one more word, a single embrace, a gentle smile. We feel confident that we’ll see them again, but do we include them in our daily prayers? Do we keep our promises as one Church, one Body?
Do we realize the wonder and glory that awaits us if we are faithful servants? Or is it just a vague distant dream?
Picturing heaven
What is heaven like? Billy Graham once said, “My home is in heaven. I’m just traveling through this world.” St. Thomas Moore wrote that “Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.”
Revelation 22:1-4 tells us that heaven is a place of beauty and plenty. We’ve been taught that God wants us to be happy, so he will provide. Will we suffer here on earth? Yes. But Scripture assures us that “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
What else does Revelation tell us about heaven? Verse 21:23 says there will be no sun because God gives it light. Revelation 21:25 says there will be no night. Verse 22:12 promises there will be rewards, according to what we have done. Philippians 3:20-21 talks about the glorious bodies we’ll receive. The blind will see, the deaf will hear, and the lame will walk. We’ll never be sick again.
“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body by the power that enables him also to bring all things into subjection to himself.” — Philippians 3:20-21
Revelation 3:11 speaks of crowns. When I was a child and was good, my mother always said, “There will be stars in your crown, Bonnie Lee.” At the time, I felt that chocolate would be reward enough, but I’ve learned that my mother knew best.
There will be streets and gates of gold and pearl (Revelation 3:21), and walls of precious stones (3:18). Isaiah 65:21 tells us there will be houses and vineyards. But what matters most is what my 11-year-old granddaughter believes: “Heaven is where Jesus is, and we want to be with him forever.” So simple, yet so profound.
These verses paint a picture of a beautiful, serene place where pain does not exist. I’m anticipating seeing my parents, grandparents, cousins, and friends who have already completed this journey. Joy fills me at this thought, so why don’t I think of heaven more often and try to obtain and retain the state of grace?
Thinking about heaven
This is a rocky road, this path to our heavenly home. The Church gives us so many helps along the way. One day not too long ago, I went to adoration while a funeral was going on in the main church. I could hear parts of the service, especially the beautiful music. There was such a connection between life and death that day, and the glory beyond. I knew that all would be well because God is in charge. If we focus more on heaven, our earthly journey will be less fraught with dangerous detours and sadness unrooted in faith.
As the old hymn proclaims, “When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be; when we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory!”
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