Our dwelling place is in the presence of God

There are a lot of people these days justifiably worried that they will catch the corona virus and maybe even die.  The thought of leaving this Earth and meeting our Maker is a frightening thought for some (dare I say, most) of us.  Maybe it’s the fear of the unknown, the realization that we’ll leave our loved ones behind, or possibly even a fear that Heaven won’t be our final resting place.  Jesus tells us to not be troubled, that we know the way there; He says, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14: 1-6)  

As Christians, it’s essential that we work at fostering a great love of Heaven by gaining a proper understanding of not only Heaven itself, but also the purpose of our lives on Earth.  Heaven helps order our lives and helps us stay on the path that leads to this eternal beatitude. 

Jesus gives us the image of the “Father’s house” (John 14:2–3).  This image is a good one to reflect upon because it reveals that Heaven is our home.  Home is a safe place.  It’s a place where we can be ourselves, relax, be with loved ones, and feel as if we belong.  We’re God’s sons and daughters and He’s decided that we belong there with Him by way of Jesus.  He’s left it up to us to decide whether or not we join Him by following His commandments to love Him and to love our neighbors, and even our enemies!

Reflecting on this image of Heaven should also console those of us who have lost a loved one.  The experience of saying goodbye is exceedingly difficult.  And it should be difficult.  I heard a particularly good homily at a funeral Mass once, when the priest said it’s good to grieve for a loved one who’s died, because the difficulty of losing a loved one reveals that there’s true love in that relationship.  And that’s good.  But God wants the feelings of loss to also be mingled with joy as we ponder the reality of our loved one being with the Father in His home for eternity.  They are happier there than we will ever be able to imagine, and we will one day be called to share in that joy.