Little Tastes of Heaven

My Dear Parish Family,
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During the Easter Season the Second Reading is taken from the Book of Revelation. In today’s verses we hear John describe his vision of “the holy city of [the new] Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God.” Many of us have a picture of what heaven might be like. In a commentary I recently read, it was defined this way: “Heaven is being in the presence of God. Nothing else matters.” I began reflecting on moments in my life that approached this definition:

• Cradling my infant granddaughter asleep in my arms, breathing in her baby scent…at that moment  nothing else mattered.
• Relaxing on a patio with good friends after a good meal, no need to talk as we watched the sunset over the Pacific Ocean…at that moment nothing else mattered.
• Enjoying the breeze and the babbling fountain in our parish church courtyard on a quiet weekday, then noticing someone in need being kindly and gently interviewed by a member of our St. Vincent de Paul Society in that peaceful place…at that moment nothing else mattered.
• Watching former RCIA seekers, now fully initiated Catholics, process forward on Sunday to receive Eucharist, one with the Body of Christ…at that moment nothing else mattered.

I believe that these simple moments are gifts from God and little foretastes of heaven. The commonality in all of them is love, peace, and hope. Such moments give us a glimpse of the love and peace that Jesus promises in today’s Gospel. They encourage us to keep our eyes set on the heavenly kingdom…and to strive to build that kingdom on earth. 

Amid the injustices of the world and our own personal difficulties, we can savor our little tastes of heaven, gather strength from them and bring that love, hope and peace to our families, neighbors and those we encounter as we go about our days.
May the peace of Christ be with you always!  

Blessings,
Catherine Shadduck
Initiation Coordinator