The kingdom of God has
come near to you.
Luke 10:9

The path of humility takes you everywhere, but especially to Heaven.
St. Josemaria Escriva

I would like to hear you views on this all important subject.
Please take a moment to write to me today.

Where is heaven?

In the Apostles' Creed, one of the cornerstones of our faith, we proclaim, "He ascended into heaven." To me that means He went up from earth to heaven. Some wise souls suggest that "heaven and hell is right here on earth" but many biblical accounts state that heaven is above the earth. These are presented here for easy reference.

For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him. Psalm 103:11

The LORD looks down from heaven; He sees all humankind. From where He sits enthroned He watches all the inhabitants of the earth. Psalm 33:13-14

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are you ways my ways, says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9

As they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took Him out of their sight. While He was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven?" Acts 1:9-11

Acknowledge today and take to heart that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other. Deuteronomy 4:39

Heaven on Earth ...

At one time or other, we have all experienced a feeling that cannot be explained. We feel it when we are near or about to meet someone we love dearly. We also feel it when we go to or think about a place we love.

Another way is when we get something we always wanted; especially when it is something we never had or may never have again. Whether it be someone, somewhere or something, the common theme is love and the feeling is ... heavenly.

It seems reasonable therefore, to conclude that heaven on earth is based on love and resides in the heart. Only you have the key to it. This is one of the few things that we could have but not hold and it definitely cannot be bought or sold.

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:1-3

Holy Mass ...

Are we obligated to attend Holy Mass? If yes, how often? In the early sixties, when I was just a kid, our Parish Priest, Father Peter Canisius van Stralen said, "God gives us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; a total of 168 hours every week. The least we could do is give Him 1 hour a week by attending Mass on Sundays."

Brother André, known to millions as the Miracle Man of Montreal, asked, "Should you eat only once a week? How could you live? The same goes for your soul. Nourish it with the Holy Eucharist if you want to live."

I go to Mass to celebrate the Eucharist. In the Eucharistic Prayers (all four of them), the Lord says, "Do this in memory of me." I also go to Mass to give praise and thanks to God for His everlasting goodness and mercy. For his unconditional love.

Confession ...

Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." John 20: 21-23
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