Beautiful Things in the End

   

  Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

06 November 2022 

 

First Reading: 2 Mc 7:1-2, 9-14

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 17:1, 5-6, 8, 15

Second Reading: 2 Thes 2:16-3:5

Gospel: Lk 20:27-38

 

Reflection

By: Bernard Borja

 

I love my wife. Even before I decided to court her, I prayed that she will be the one that God would let me spend my lifetime with. I cannot imagine a life without her. I feel a sting in my heart just a thought of losing her, or even leaving her. If God would call me home before her, I could not even fathom the thought of her being married again to another. No words from earth would ever describe the sorrow I would feel in purgatory if that happened. But how would I know if I would be sorrowful if I'm already a few steps getting to heaven? And if ever God would call her home, how would I know if we cannot re-live in heaven the happiness of being married to each other, even if she got married again after I left? Would it be awkward if we all see each other in heaven and she has two husbands? I hope God would not send me down again if ever I feel bitterness. Now I'm breaking my heart with just these thoughts.

Ardy Roberto, one of whom I consider my mentors, got married twice after his first wife dies. I also have friends who got married after their spouse was called to heaven. I can say that during their first marriage, they are blissful. They had a taste or glimpse of heaven even for a part of their lifetime. They had experienced one of the most beautiful things that God created. It's hard to imagine that the beautiful won't be carried on in the end.

One of our family dogs, Mint, died last year. He was ten years old. Days after he died, I was researching about dogs going to heaven, or somewhere he can "run free" as we say after a pet passes away. But most of the things I read was not in my favor, because some say that dogs do not go to heaven. During those ten years of Mint, our family has somehow given a glimpse of heaven through the emotions that the dog brings. I cried when he died not only because of having attached to a pet, but because those consoling memories just being with Mint, have somehow taught me how to look forward to more beautiful things in the end. I somehow refuse to believe that pets will not be in heaven in the end, nor they are not included in the Resurrection.

There was a legend about St. Augustine having taught by a child at the seashore. The story goes with Augustine took a walk along the beach having taken a break from frustration of studying The Holy Trinity. There was a little boy at the beach running back and forth to fill a tiny hole in the ground with seawater. Augustine asked, "What are you doing there?" The boy held up a shell he was using to scoop water and said, "I'm trying to fit that great big ocean into this tiny hole!" Augustine smiled, charmed by the little boy's innocence. After a few more attempts of the boy, Augustine said to him, "My child, you could never fit this great, magnificent ocean in that tiny hole!" The child did not flinch as he responded quickly, "And you could never possibly understand The Holy Trinity". Then in a flash, the boy disappeared.

We can never understand the mysteries of God all at once. Though God reveals it to us bit by bit, our wisdom of Resurrection and Heaven will still be limited in earthly words. But I believe that deep faith and love help us look forward to the beautiful things in the end. That the beautiful things here on earth shall be made more beautiful in heaven through God's way. I believe that when we all see each other in heaven, when we finally come to be raised again, all those joyful memories that we had on earth shall be re-lived, but more heavenly. Just like the Sadducees, I may continue to ask questions or look for assurance that Resurrection is much better, but I pray that I don't dwell on the thoughts that desolate and lessen my faith in God, who is the God of the living. I pray to keep my faith that in heaven, all of God's beautiful mysteries will be revealed to each of His children.

Prayer

Dear God, we thank You for letting us experience heaven here on earth. Despite our unbelief because of our limited knowledge, we pray that we may never lose sight of the Resurrection that has promised to us. That we may hold on to this without the doubts brought about by our own desire to seek Your wisdom. We also pray for those who have gone before us, our dearly departed that they may be consoled as they also look forward to more beautiful mysteries to be revealed. We ask these through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever, Amen.