Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. – Mark 13:32
During these final dark, chilly weeks of the Church year, we turn our attention to the last things: heaven, hell, the life to come, and the Day of the Lord: the Second Coming of Christ. What a blessing that our Church acknowledges these last days as the death of winter approaches, giving us a way to consider the end times, both for us personally and for the world as we know it.
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati wrote to a friend, “I believe that life should be a continual preparation for the next life, because one doesn’t know the day nor the hour of our passing.” This makes me ponder what it means to live in continual preparation for the next life.
One actionable thing for me to live with the eternal in mind is to get back into the habit of a regular schedule for confession. I admit that my confession times have been haphazard these last several months. Reconciliation clears sin from the soul and gives us the grace to live a life of virtue, preparing our souls for eternal life.
Another way to prepare my heart for the life to come is to allow God to expand my heart, my capacity to love and be loved. Heaven will be an infinite immersion in the love of the Holy Trinity, so I can allow God to prepare my heart in this life to give and receive love in imitation of Him. God expands my heart each time I encounter Him in the Blessed Sacrament, in Scripture, and in prayer. God’s love flows into my heart, and I can in turn pour it out for others (see Romans 5:5).
My Jesus, pour your Holy Spirit upon me. Give me the discipline and courage to live in continual preparation for spending eternity with You. Cleanse my soul and expand my heart to love You and others more each day.
Readings for November 14, 2021: 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
- Deuteronomy 12:1-3
- Psalm 16:5-11
- Hebrews 10:11-14, 18
- Mark 13:24-32