I read on an online question and answer site once where a little girl (age 9) asked how she could be happy in heaven if someone she loved "didn't make it." It was obvious to me she was concerned about the fate of a loved one.
The answer provided was that in heaven there are no tears of unhappiness. And as hard as it might be now to imagine being happy without someone we love in this life being with us in the next life, our union with God in heaven would indeed provide us with the happiness we desire.
Hi. I think the image given is appropriate for a 9 year old but we have to understand that Heaven is fundamentally different from the world we live in. We will be different as well.
Honestly, we do not know what Heaven is really like but we know that God will be all in all, we will be totally focused and centered on God.
This is one of those sobering gospel passages that at first makes me think of (and perhaps judge) others but ultimately leads to self reflection.
I realize that I can easily get caught up in the culture of the times, and like many people I know, rationalize my sins.
I am reminded that I will suffer or enjoy the consequences of my choices in this life. And it is upon those choice that my eternity rests. I can choose to follow Christ, or not.
I, too, am anxious to experience heaven. That desire helps me to remain detached from the things of this world, as they are all temporary.
Regardless of the trials of this life, I try to keep my focus on what comes next. This life is not the goal.
Water is often a symbol of life. I think of all eternity as the ocean that continues far beyond my eyes can see, yet I know it is there. And this life....its just a drop of rain, or a single tear.
Sebr2, your last paragraph is a wonderful image. Thank you for sharing it. Remembering that this life is not the goal helps me, too, to try to keep things in their proper perspective.
Do you think this gospel passage is motivational or discouraging--or both?
I find it motivational. Every choice I make brings me closer to God or further away. It's my choice whether or not to develop an intimate relationship with Him. It's his choice whether or not I enter His kingdom. I choose closer. I want to be with God in heaven, even if it means entering through the narrow gate.
It is motivational for me, too. It reminds me that being with God in heaven isn't a "given" just because I believe. I've lately been reading from the works of St. Alphonsus Liguori and have found his words--and the words of others that he cites--to be helpful guideposts towards a more holy life, a life closer and more pleasing to God.
6 comments:
I read on an online question and answer site once where a little girl (age 9) asked how she could be happy in heaven if someone she loved "didn't make it." It was obvious to me she was concerned about the fate of a loved one.
The answer provided was that in heaven there are no tears of unhappiness. And as hard as it might be now to imagine being happy without someone we love in this life being with us in the next life, our union with God in heaven would indeed provide us with the happiness we desire.
Father, do you have any thoughts on this?
Hi. I think the image given is appropriate for a 9 year old but we have to understand that Heaven is fundamentally different from the world we live in. We will be different as well.
Honestly, we do not know what Heaven is really like but we know that God will be all in all, we will be totally focused and centered on God.
I can't wait to experience it!
This is one of those sobering gospel passages that at first makes me think of (and perhaps judge) others but ultimately leads to self reflection.
I realize that I can easily get caught up in the culture of the times, and like many people I know, rationalize my sins.
I am reminded that I will suffer or enjoy the consequences of my choices in this life. And it is upon those choice that my eternity rests. I can choose to follow Christ, or not.
I, too, am anxious to experience heaven. That desire helps me to remain detached from the things of this world, as they are all temporary.
Regardless of the trials of this life, I try to keep my focus on what comes next. This life is not the goal.
Water is often a symbol of life. I think of all eternity as the ocean that continues far beyond my eyes can see, yet I know it is there. And this life....its just a drop of rain, or a single tear.
Sebr2, your last paragraph is a wonderful image. Thank you for sharing it. Remembering that this life is not the goal helps me, too, to try to keep things in their proper perspective.
Do you think this gospel passage is motivational or discouraging--or both?
I find it motivational. Every choice I make brings me closer to God or further away. It's my choice whether or not to develop an intimate relationship with Him. It's his choice whether or not I enter His kingdom. I choose closer. I want to be with God in heaven, even if it means entering through the narrow gate.
It is motivational for me, too. It reminds me that being with God in heaven isn't a "given" just because I believe. I've lately been reading from the works of St. Alphonsus Liguori and have found his words--and the words of others that he cites--to be helpful guideposts towards a more holy life, a life closer and more pleasing to God.
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