Reading 1 Rom 8:18-25
Brothers and sisters: I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.
REFLECTION
Today is All Hallow's Eve which will be followed by All Saints Day, and All Souls' Day. This is historically a Catholic tradition. Even though it is not considered an official Triduum, it is part of a time when Catholics reflect on the truth that we all will die. This time is a change of seasons. Daylight gets shorter. Leaves fall from the trees. Harvest is coming to an end. The weather cools.
On All Hallow's Eve we must reflect on what will happen when we die. We must face the reality that we will be judged on how we lived and the possible consequences of our life choices. What are the consequences?
The consequences will be heaven or hell.
In the Catholic Catechism of the Church (CCC) 1035-1037, the Church explains that hell exists for those who die in a state of mortal sin and refuse to repent. Hell is a place of punishment in "eternal fire" which is "an eternal separation from God." In the Scriptures, Jesus says, "Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few." (Matthew 7:13-13)
"God predestines no one to go to hell, for this, a willful turning away from God (mortal sin) is necessary, and persistence in it till the end. During Mass we pray for God's mercy for He does not want "any to perish, but all to come to repentance." (CCC 1037)
The other consequence is heaven. "Those who die in God's grace and friendship and are perfectly purified live forever with Christ. They are like God forever, for they "see him as he is," face to face. (CCC 1023) " " This perfect life with the Most Holy Trinity - this communion of life and love with the Trinity, with the Virgin Mary, the angels and all the blessed - is called "heaven." Heaven is the ultimate end and fulfillment of the deepest human longings, the state of supreme, definitive happiness." (CCC 1024)
As St. Paul says to the Romans, "I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us." This is our hope - heaven!
The early Catholic Church in her wisdom suggests that we visit the Blessed Sacrament on October 31st and pray to Jesus and Our Blessed Mother Mary to give us the "graces" to live lives of repentance and to practice virtues.
Tomorrow is an opportunity to learn about the Gospel from the Biblical perspective and learn what Jesus is teaching us. FACE ZBS is our PAPA - Face-to-Face ZOOM Bible Study led by a theologian, Father Michael J. T. Nguyen, C.Ss.R. Join us and get to know Jesus. He is whom we long to meet "face-to-face" in heaven! Here is the information about FACE ZBS.
Comments