Apocalypse 7:2-4, 9-14 / 1 John 3:1-3 / Matthew 5:1-12
One of our core beliefs is that there is a heaven, and we should want to go there.
There is also a hell, but we certainly don’t want to consider that as an eternal option.
So, whether it is heaven or hell, the reality is that it is about an eternity.
As Christians, we not only believe that there is heaven, but we also want to be there for eternity.
God promised heaven to be eternal reward for those who are faithful to Him.
So then, what is life on earth all about?
Life on earth can be said to be a preparation for the life in heaven.
So, when we live a good life, a life that is pleasing to God, then the promise of heaven will be fulfilled for us.
But we know that it is so difficult to live a good life on earth.
Because we face anxieties and worries, we face challenges and difficulties, we face struggles and troubles.
Yes, life is difficult and so we look for ways and means to be comfortable and happy.
We desire for life to be smooth and easy.
And here is where the devil comes in.
The devil tempts us to desire for wealth so that we can enjoy the luxuries of life.
We are tempted with power, to be on top of others, so that others will be at our service.
We are tempted to have the most of life here on earth, and we slowly forget about heaven.
All that seems to be the temptations that Jesus Himself faced.
Jesus overcame with temptations of the devil and He makes us think about the promise of heaven.
Jesus came to make us think about life and who we really are.
Jesus makes us think about dying to sin, to carry the cross and to remember the promise of God’s blessings.
In the gospel, Jesus teaches us about the true blessings in life.
He tells us that it is a blessing to trust in the providence of God, especially when we are poor.
He tells us that to be truly human is to be gentle, to be merciful, to be righteous and to be pure in heart.
He tells us that we will be blessed when we are at peace with God and with others.
And when we follow Jesus and walk the way of the cross and enter by the narrow door, God will bless us.
The Saints did that and God blessed them with the eternal reward of heaven.
Let us also ask the Saints to pray for us, that we keep our hearts focused on heaven and on the promises of God.
When we do what God wants of us and live the life that Jesus is teaching us, our reward will be great in heaven.
That is what we believe in, that is also our hope, as we celebrate the feast of All Saints.