Heaven Fact or Fiction

Dedicated to the newly bereaved, those who grieve the loss of a loved one, those who believe but seek some confirmation, those who are nearing, or who have exceeded their three score and ten.

Heaven is the dwelling place of God and the joyful abode of the blessed dead. It is a spiritual state of everlasting communion with God; a place of utmost happiness; and it is rarely mentioned in polite conversation. We talk about politics, the PTA and crime in the streets but try bringing heaven into the conversation. We readily discuss the latest scandal, Princess Di's newest dress and the latest joke, but when was the last time you talked about heaven.

A loved one dies and we are devastated, we grieve, we moan "why her (or him) she was so young. Why didn't I, why didn't he"…..We pray for them, we believe that there is a heaven, but some confirmation, some assurance, some sign would help. Lord, give me a sign, please." Our Lord must become weary of being asked to "give me a sign". He has given us so many signs, told us so often, but we do not see, we do not listen, we forget, we tell ourselves that we believe but actually there is some doubt; and we yearn for confirmation, a sign, reassurance. Let me try to help.