Among the blessed of heaven

The vision of St John, which comes from today’s first reading, speaks of the saintly throng that have gone before us, marked with the sign of faith, and having lived their lives directed towards God’s throne:

After that I saw a huge number, impossible to count, of people from every nation, race, tribe and language; they were standing in front of the throne and in front of the Lamb, dressed in white robes and holding palms in their hands. They shouted aloud, ‘Victory to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’

We should note that the number of them is vast in size, too many to count. The saints—those who are living out their eternity with God in heaven—are immense beyond measure.

We should note this with genuine hope. For our lives, when oriented towards our eternal destiny in Christ, are destined to be added to these people of God, and witnesses of hope.

The shape of that orientation is given to us in the blessed, the saintly who live for the gentle; those who mourn; those who hunger and thirst for what is right; the merciful; the pure in heart; the peacemakers; those who are persecuted in the cause of right.

Might you see yourself somewhere among these blessed? If so, then also see yourself among the blessed of heaven. Rejoice and be glad; have hope for your promised destiny.

May we turn to that multitude from every nation, race, tribe and language, and seek their intercession; that we may live now, so as to join them, when our time comes.