The vision of heaven in most of our minds may consist of palaces and streets of gold. We may muse on days of rest, large banquets and hours of supreme joy. Since our experience in this area is limited, it is fortunate that we have the prophets and apostles to guide us in creating a more perfect vision of heaven and its attainability in our own lives.
In Romans, St. Paul tells us: “For the kingdom of God does not mean food and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit; he who thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men” (Rom 14:17-18).
Could it be that heaven is much more than our dreams of excess riches and luxury, and is instead centered around the humility of Christ, self-sacrifice, the joy of grace, and justice toward all? If so, could our actions begin to bring the kingdom of heaven here, to earth, at this very moment?
We know from Colossians that at the end of time Jesus will reconcile all things back to Himself (Col 1:19). He will need our help; it is through our role as kingdom priests that people, even nations, will be reconciled to Christ. Through our actions as Christ’s hands, feet, and voice here on earth, we will bring about this reconciliation.
In many of St. Paul’s letters, he draws a road map of how we are to bring about the kingdom of God on earth. In Romans, he instructs: “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves; let each of us please his neighbor for his good to edify him. For Christ did not please Himself; but, as it is written, ‘The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me’” (Rom 15:1-3).
Two of the canticles in the Gospel of Luke – by Zachariah and Simon, both priests – speak of a light coming into the world. Zachariah proclaims, “In the tender compassion of our God, the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death and to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Lk 1:78-79). Similarly, Simon speaks of “a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel” (Lk 2:32).
Christ is and will forever be the light, and through the grace of His crucifixion, we are bearers of His light. Our job is to shine light on the darkness that surrounds us to bring salvation. All of us working together can surely outshine any darkness and light up the world.
In speaking of heaven, the Book of Revelation reveals: “The night shall be no more. They will need no light from lamps or the sun, for the Lord God shall give them light.” (Rev 22:4-5) What if we shine so much goodwill toward our neighbors that we brighten up the world, so much that peace envelops the entire globe? Wouldn’t that peace, that bliss, be a taste of heaven?
Prophets of old give us a GPS to eternal peace on earth. Jeremiah tells us to turn their mourning into joy, to comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow (Jer 31:13-14). In Tobit’s teachings we not only see how to treat our neighbors, but also how to live our own lives as a means of peace. “Watch yourself, my son, in everything you do, and be disciplined in all your conduct. And what you hate, do not do to anyone. Do not drink wine to excess or let drunkenness go with you on your way. Give your bread to the hungry, and of your clothing to the naked. Give your surplus to charity, and do not let your eye begrudge the gift when you make it” (Tob 4:15-16).
Therefore, to bring the kingdom of God here to earth, to experience its glorious splendor now, we must forgive and help our neighbor, fill others with joy, and free ourselves from the desires of evil. Think about all the times that we need to let go of frustration, envy or malice toward the people in our lives.
There is yet another way of experiencing the kingdom of heaven on a daily basis that requires only our awareness and a small amount of participation: the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Yes, the kingdom of God is truly present at Mass, even when we are not. When you are truly aware of heaven coming down to earth at the Mass, you can visualize it all around you and be awestruck.
Yet, after we have blissfully enjoyed this glimpse of heaven, it is our duty to return to the everyday world so we may take what we have experienced out to others who cannot or have not experienced this miracle for themselves. Remember how Isaiah received the burning coal on his lips and then was instructed to take what he had encountered out to the world? For us, that burning coal is the Eucharist, and through it we are strengthened to bring the kingdom to others we encounter.
If we truly have Christ’s light within us, then He will show us the way to be the light, to walk in His path, to reconcile all to Himself. Psalm 16 reminds us: “You will show me the path of life, the fullness of joy in your presence, at your right hand happiness forever” (Ps 16:11). Not just at Mass, but each day in the ordinary world.
Is heaven truly attainable? Look around – it is already present!
April Parker is a parishioner and teacher at St. Pius X Parish in Greensboro.