Episode 2654: Pursuing Heaven with the Saints - Morning Episode

Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re delving into the glorious pursuit of Heaven, not as an abstract goal but as the very purpose for which we were created. Today, we’ll discuss how the saints reveal God’s greatness, their desire for eternal union with Him, and our call to reflect on what we are doing to reach this heavenly destiny. As we reflect, we should feel a renewed urgency, inspired by the wisdom of St. Philip Neri, St. Ignatius of Loyola, and Scripture itself, to live with Heaven in mind.
Let's begin by pondering St. Philip Neri's words: "Never say, 'What great things the saints do,' but, 'What great things God does in His saints.”
This sentiment shifts our admiration from the accomplishments of the saints themselves to the divine power at work in them. It’s a reminder that holiness is not achieved by mere human effort but by allowing God to act within us. The saints reflect the greatness of God’s work in souls who are open to His grace. They didn’t seek honor for themselves but sought to glorify God in everything they did.
How often do we admire saints without reflecting on the source of their greatness? This perspective changes how we approach our faith journey. Instead of asking, “What can I achieve in my spiritual life?” we ask, “How can I let God work in me as He did in the saints?” It’s a journey of humility, one that requires us to surrender control and allow the Divine Artist to mold our lives into something that reflects His beauty and majesty.

St. Ignatius of Loyola speaks to us about our ultimate goal: eternity with God. He writes, "The beatitude of the saints is immutable, like that of the Son of God. . . Add ages to ages; multiply them equal to the sand of the ocean or the stars of heaven; exhaust all numbers, if you can, beyond what the human intelligence can conceive, and for the elect there will be still the same eternity of happiness. They are immutable, and this immutability excludes weariness and disgust. The life of an elect soul is one succession, without end, of desires ever arising and ever satisfied, but desires without trouble, satiety or lassitude. The elect will always see God, love God, possess God and always will wish to see Him, love Him and possess Him still more. This beatitude is the end destined for all; God has given us time only in order to merit it, being and life only to possess it. Reflect seriously on this great truth, and ask yourself these three questions at the foot of the crucifix: What have I done hitherto for heaven? What ought I to do for heaven? What shall I do henceforward for heaven?"
This description of Heaven is awe-inspiring, capturing the fullness of joy that awaits those who pursue holiness.
Ignatius’s vision of eternity invites us to ask ourselves, “What have I done hitherto for Heaven? What ought I to do for Heaven? What shall I do henceforward for Heaven?” These questions bring a necessary pause to our lives, causing us to examine if we’re truly living for eternity or simply passing time. Do our daily actions reflect a desire to be united with God forever? Or are we distracted by things that do not satisfy the longing of our souls? As St. Paul writes in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Thinking about these virtues draws our attention away from the fleeting and directs it to the eternal. The saints are our models in this pursuit; they show us what it looks like to live for Heaven, to sacrifice everything for God, and to find joy in doing so. They remind us that Heaven is not just a reward but the ultimate fulfillment of our deepest desires.
Conclusion:
We can take inspiration from the saints, who were not superhuman but entirely human, just like us. They recognized their weaknesses and entrusted them to God’s strength. Today, let us renew our commitment to Heaven, fixing our minds on what is true, just, and pure, asking ourselves what we will do for Heaven starting today.
Concluding Prayer:
Heavenly Father, source of all goodness, we thank You for the example of Your saints, who glorify You through their lives. Grant us the grace to desire You above all things, to seek Your will in every moment, and to surrender our hearts to Your divine work in us. Help us, Lord, to see the greatness of Your love reflected in all creation and in the saints who have gone before us. May we have the courage to walk the path of holiness, inspired by their example, and may we one day be united with You in the eternal joy of Heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.