I was recently talking with the daughter of a good friend who has passed and she indicated that she was looking forward to seeing her dad again in heaven when she got there. It reminded me of the belief that we will be reunited with our loved ones in heaven. In our creed it is referred to as the “communion of saints”. As Christians we believe that in some mysterious and unexplainable way we are united with all believers who have passed and are still alive. Love conquers death in that not even death can separate us from those we love. I find that comforting.
What I find disturbing is that not all of those I love may make it to heaven. While I have the assurance that I may be there, it is only by the grace of God. Sure, I have done the things the Bible and Church require, given myself to Jesus in a committed relationship, attend mass, pray, study and try to live a moral life, use the sacraments, and live a holy life, but I continue to depend on the love and mercy of God.
In speaking with this young lady and her husband the question came up, “What if I get to heaven and my children, or parents, or friends aren’t there? Will that be heaven for me?” That is a tough question as I think we all have people we love and care about who are indifferent to faith issues, ignore faith, or are outright antagonistic toward it. For those of us who are believers, it’s hard to even imagine a life without faith. It is even harder to imagine a heaven without the presence of those we love. Will it be heaven if my grandchildren aren’t there?
For some these questions may seem frivolous, but for me and the daughter of my friend they are serious questions. My wife and I would be devastated if our children and grandchildren were not eventually in heaven. When and if we get there, we want to see the deceased members of our families and we want all our loved ones to spend eternity with us.
Then my friend blurted out frustratingly, “If they won’t confess Jesus for themselves, couldn’t they do it for me?” That statement pointed out to me that she and I and all believers want our loved ones to become believers not just to save them, but so that we can be with them eternally. I have an idea. The next time someone ask me what I want for my birthday or Christmas or Father’s Day, or whenever, the answer will be, “Commit yourself to Jesus. Make him the Lord, Savior, and Center of your life. Pray. Return to mass and the sacraments. Nothing could make me happier!”
“May the Lord bless and keep you. May He let His face shine upon you, be gracious to you and give you His peace.”
