ON HEAVEN (2): THE CONSOLATIONS OF HUMAN LOVE…
WHAT WOULD GOD’S ETERNAL LOVE BE LIKE IN HEAVEN?

In a homily given to grade 4 students a few days back, I asked them: “Who among you wants to be happy?” Without any hint of doubt, all of them raised their hands. Then again I asked: “What makes you happy?” A girl immediately waved her hand and replied: “Being with my family.” Another said: “I feel happy when I receive a kiss or a hug from my Daddy and Mommy.”

Being with the people you love most, a kiss, a big, strong hug.., and more things make us happy. Imagine those moments here on earth when manifestations of love and feeling loved by someone gave you the “wings”, the energy and strength to overcome life’s difficulties and convinced you that life is worth living for.

“If Love, even human love, gives so much consolation here, what will Love not be in heaven (St. Josemaria, The Way n.428.” “Consider what is most beautiful and most noble on earth, what pleases the mind and the other faculties, and what delights the flesh and the senses. And the world, and the other worlds that shine in the night: the whole universe. Well this, along with all the follies of the heart satisfied, is worth nothing, is nothing and less than nothing compared… with this God of mine! of yours! (St. Josemaria, The Way n.432)”.

The consolations of human love here on earth…what would it be like in Heaven with God who is Love? Dear friends, let us choose and live a life which leads us to everlasting happiness. Let us choose and love God over and above anything else in this world in each and every action of ours. Once again: Aim for God! Aim for Heaven.

-Fr. Rolly Arjonillo, priest of Opus Dei, CATHOLICS STRIVING FOR HOLINESS.

 

TEXTS FOR MEDITATION:

“Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also (John 14: 1-3).”

The love and happiness in heaven completely surpass our imagination and totally exceeds man’s longings for happiness. As it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him (1Cor 2: 9).”

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband; and I heard a great voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, o and God himself will be with them; he will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away’ (Rev 21:1-7).”

“True and subsistent life consists in this: the Father, through the Son and in the Holy Spirit, pouring out his heavenly gifts on all things without exception. Thanks to his mercy, we too, men that we are, have received the inalienable promise of eternal life.” (Saint Cyril of Jerusalem)

 

ORIGINAL PHOTO SOURCE: Morgan Weistling (painter) in http://www.greenwichworkshop.com/images/gallery/images/open/MW00051lg.jpg