Treasures in Heaven: Mercy Meditation, July 31st, 2016


 

Treasures in Heaven

 
Today’s readings all remind us of the transience of life on earth, and the importance of seeking what is beyond: the treasures of heaven. Through God’s mercy and love, the joys of heaven can be experienced while we are still here on earth if, in faith, we focus on “what is above.” St. John Paul II expressed his thoughts on this message in his general audience of July 21, 1999, saying:

“The depiction of heaven as the transcendent dwelling-place of the living God is joined with that of the place to which believers, through grace, can also ascend… Thus heaven becomes an image of life in God. In this sense Jesus speaks of a “reward in heaven” and urges people to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (M 5:12, 6:20; cf. 19:21).

…Since believers are loved in a special way by the Father, they are raised with Christ and made citizens of heaven… The fatherhood of God, who is rich in mercy, is experienced by creatures through the love of God's crucified and risen Son, who sits in heaven on the right hand of the Father as Lord.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church sums up the Church's teaching on this truth: ‘By his death and Resurrection, Jesus Christ has ‘opened’ heaven to us...’ This… can be anticipated in some way today in sacramental life, whose centre is the Eucharist... as we pass through this world we are called to seek “the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God” (Col 3:1)…”

Keep your eyes on Christ, hidden in the Eucharist, listening always for His voice in your heart, seeking to do His will, and the treasures of eternity will be yours.
 
 

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