My dear parishioners, God says, “Behold, I make all things new.” [Rev 21:5] Our true destiny is life, eternal life, and our God is a God of the living. I believe anyone who is spiritually perceptive, who realizes that there are other ways to see than by mere human eyesight, understands that the angels and saints can see everything in heaven and on earth as God wills because they are perfect. The heavenly angels and saints are not in a happy hunting ground or roundup corral beyond the last star in space. They are much, much closer to us than we can imagine. In truth, the angels and saints and the heavenly realm are as near to us as an outstretched hand. We mortals typically cannot see heaven. Our spiritual sight is weak, and we are not yet perfected: “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it yet dawned on man what God has in store for those who love him.” [1Cor 2:9] Surely miracles are not thrown down to us here on earth from way up “there”. Consider that miracles have the power to change who we are, what we do, and who we are meant to become. When God permits us to behold great and beautiful things—even for a moment—we never forget. We are so privileged and yet so humbled. We want to share the good news of our miraculous experience and new awareness of God. We are inspired to change for the better. We want to hold on to the miracle in our lives—we don’t want to let go. In an instant, we comprehend how our world is so flawed and broken by sin and rebellion, and how very much we need God. I believe the great miracle is not so much the wonderful and miraculous event that appears to our eyes to be unique and unrepeatable. The greater portion is the miracle that takes place within the human heart. Actually, miracles occur when our eyes of faith and our eyes of sight converge for a few moments—perhaps a little longer—allowing us to see heaven and earth come together. Our perceptions become extraordinary, and we are able to see things, and into things, and know things that are truly beyond ordinary human powers. The true miracle is that which takes place in your very own self—for however long God may will—and you are able to glimpse the great miracle that surrounds you always. [cf. Willa Cather, DEATH COMES FOR THE ARCHBISHOP] You see, God’s heaven is here. His heaven is as close as your outstretched hand! When a loved one dies, his soul is not banished beyond our reach, beyond our love. To the contrary, our loved ones are brought very close to us, much closer than we can imagine. This is why you are responsible to care for them by praying to Jesus, offering devotions on their behalf, and having Masses said for them. If we cannot see Jesus with imperfect human eyesight, well then, let us purify ourselves so that we may behold our Lord by faith. Otherwise, we could never speak of the Mystical Body of Christ. If heaven—its shining city Jerusalem, the angels and saints, and all our loved ones—were beyond our spiritual reach, our prayers, and our love, the communion of saints could not be possible. Therefore, with great conviction, we speak of the miracle of Jesus who rose from the dead, the “first fruits of those who have fallen asleep”. [1Cor 15:20] Hold fast to the heavenly promise that our holy departed ones are not dead but rather alive. They walk with Christ whose loving hand guides their journey in light, or we may say, in the cool of the evening breeze. [cf Gen 3:8] Little wonder that the venerable Eucharistic Prayer I in THE ROMAN MISSAL speaks of heaven as a “place of refreshment, light and peace”. [ROMAN MISSAL Commemoration of the Dead]. Our Lord Jesus, the “Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end” [Rev 22:13] is steadfast to those who love him, so near, so wonderfully alive and radiant, crowned with “glory and honor” forever and ever. [Heb 2:7; 13:21] Sincerely in the hearts of Jesus and Mary. Your pastor, Reverend Richard Barker. +++
My dear parishioners, God says, “Behold, I make all things new.” [Rev 21:5] Our true destiny is life, eternal life, and our God is a God of the living. I believe anyone who is spiritually perceptive, who realizes that there are other ways to see than by mere human eyesight, understands that the angels and saints can see everything in heaven and on earth as God wills because they are perfect.