Allowing belief

It sounds strange, but sometimes people will do the work involved in sanctification, but then not venture forth to look for the joy and peace that comes from resting in belief.  Too much attention to helping the poor, staying pure and supporting their family and friends, but no time for rest and rejuvenation.

a. Coming home

This is a simple envisioning game.  It sets our perspective and brings peace.  It allows us to envision Heaven, occurring right now and after we die. 

A lot of us didn’t get raised in a great home.  I was lucky to visit my aunt and uncle’s family for a couple of summers.  There’s was a fun, active, and loving Irish Catholic family of six.  I just loved it; it was always my model.

 Now, with my own family, there is something so wonderful and mystical about coming home.  There are all those songs about coming home:  Homeward Bound (Simon & Garfunkle), Bluebird (Emmy Lou Harris), Last Train Home (Pat Metheny Group).  We all have favorite songs and stories about coming home.  We have the capability to imagine Home in its perfect sense.

The promise of Heaven is far greater.  It is so great that it can’t be described (e.g., Paul says that he “was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell.” 2Cor 12:2).  But we still need to be “citizens of heaven” (Phil 3:20) even if we can’t visualize it perfectly.

So here’s the game:  In prayer, allow yourself to imagine yourself coming home to Heaven.  It’s the perfect home.  Think of all the emotions you have about a perfect home and let them settle into your mind and heart.  Ask the Spirit for help in this.  Just dwell in it. 

Yes, it’s emotional – sorry!  It changes perspective; it changes your mind; it changes the way you do things.