Do you want to get to Heaven? Most would instinctively respond, “Yes.” But imagine an angel appearing to you today and saying, “The Most High God will be taking you to Heaven this very day.” How would you react? Would your heart leap with joy? Or would a wave of fear wash over you as you realized everything in this world would be left behind? In truth, many struggle to look forward to Heaven with genuine longing. We may think of it from time to time, perhaps smile when recalling loved ones who have gone before us, presuming they are “in a better place.” Yet few of us live with a desire that eagerly awaits Heaven as our true home.
Today, on the Solemnity of All Saints, the Church invites us to lift our eyes to the glorious communion of saints and angels. In Heaven, they behold the Beatific Vision, gazing with awe and love upon the Most Holy Trinity. They are fulfilled. Their hearts are open, receiving God’s love in its fullness and returning it with perfect charity. This eternal exchange of love deepens their union with God in an everlasting ascent of glory. By God’s mercy, if we are counted among the “few” who enter through the narrow gate (cf. Matthew 7:14), by walking the constricted road that leads to life, then, when this life is ended we will immediately know that every act of prayer, sacrifice, and surrender was worth it. The beatific gaze upon God will fill us with such radiant joy that all earthly attachments will dissolve. We will see clearly how foolish it was to cling to the vanities of this world and will be eternally grateful that we strived to overcome them with diligence. Riches, possessions, honors, and status will be gone. None of it will matter. All we will carry into eternity is the love we lived—our love that was purified through suffering, tested by obedience, and offered as a sacrifice. This is divine charity, and its fruit will forever remain with us. All selfish love will be stripped away. Only what is of God will remain. Talk of Heaven can be jarring to some. We often become so consumed with the present moment that we see only this present moment, seeking immediate satisfaction or resenting current struggles. Living as if this life were all we have is self-deception. It blinds us to eternity, which will be spent either in Heaven or in hell.
The path to Heaven challenges our natural instincts. Grace must elevate them, guiding us by divine wisdom rather than human reasoning. Today’s Gospel reveals that wisdom: The truly blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger for righteousness, the merciful, the pure of heart, the peacemakers, and those persecuted for Christ. Do you desire this life of beatitude? Or do you desire a life of riches, fun, pride, judgment, condemnation, an indulgent heart, self-righteousness, and freedom from all suffering and persecution? If you struggle with desiring a life of true beatitude, then fall to your knees in prayer today. Beg God to open your heart to the truth of the Beatitudes that leads to heavenly glory. The path is narrow and few walk it. Resolve to be among those few.
Reflect today on the saints in Heaven. They were not perfect on earth, but they were faithful. They allowed divine charity to take root in their hearts and persevered through trial. Read the Beatitudes slowly and ask, “Do I truly want to be counted among them?” If the answer is “Yes,” then live today—and every day—with Heaven as your only goal.
(Used with permission. www.mycatholic.life)