Our reflection on heaven continues. We read in the Book of Revelations: “I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and Our God himself will always be with them [as their God].  He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, [for] the old order has passed away.’”

 

What is that old order?  The struggles of our earthly existence, which will now be over. Fear of suffering and dying will no longer hold us in bondage. In fact, nothing more will be able to happen to us, except what will bring us true peace and unending joy. This joy of heaven is to see the face of God in all of his beauty, glory and power.  In seeing, we do not have to hide our face because we share in his own diving life.

 

Knowing this we should not remain in sadness when our love ones go to the Lord. Rather, we should rejoice with them as we long to be with them, sharing in the joy of the Lord.