Our Lord had promised His disciples that in a little while He would be with them forever. “Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more, but you will see me” (John 14:19-20). Jesus Christ kept His promise in His Church, Word and Sacraments. And His presence did not end when He went up in His glorious body to His Father, because, by His Passion, Death and Resurrection, He has prepared for us a place in His Father’s House (John 14:2). “I will come again,” Jesus tells us, “and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14:3). Indeed, on the Last Day, God will raise our mortal bodies to be like His own, in glory, reuniting our body and soul in Heaven. This is our Faith and Hope, which God has given us. We proclaim this every time we say the Apostles’ Creed and Nicene Creed, when we state that we believe in and look forward to the resurrection of the body and eternal life in Heaven.

The Apostles and each disciple of Christ is comforted by the hope of Heaven. In our journey toward Heaven, our purpose in life, we are strengthened by the Eucharist, where Jesus Christ is truly, really and substantially present. And God continues to guide and direct His Church, for He has given us the Advocate, the Holy Spirit (John 14:23-29). Our duty is to follow the Lord, to keep His Commandments, to love Him with all our heart, mind and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves. Meditating on Heaven helps us to love as God has loved us– a love that transforms everything we say and do, even the most mundane moments, realizing that God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is present at every moment, sanctifying our words and deeds. It is then that we realize evermore deeply His peace, a peace that the world cannot give and the world cannot take away. Praised be Jesus Christ, now and forever. Amen. Alleluia.

Please be assured of my prayers for you and your families, with thanksgiving to God particularly this Mother’s Day weekend for all of our moms, living and deceased. Mary, Mother of Our Lord, pray for us.