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Men of Epiphany will be meeting this Saturday, April 28th, 6:30 a.m. in the Hearth room. If you can make it, this study is a marvelous preparation for each week's Mass readings.

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Heaven, Our Inheritance as Sons of God

Sunday, April 29, 2007
Acts 13:14,43-52
Psalm 100:1-3,5
Revelation 7:9,14-17
John 10:27-30

Click here for readings  (For quick review only; bring your Bible)

In terms of eternity, how important is what you are doing now? Maintaining this perspective can help you realize what’s important on your journey toward heaven. Focusing on the splendid plans God has for us can help us not get caught up in distractions or side roads that go nowhere. Consider, for example, what is in heaven and what is available here on earth to speed us on our journey.

There, before the throne of God, he shelters us with his presence. Here, we know his presence at times when he shelters us through a near miss in an auto accident or allows things to happen that prevent a fateful relationship from becoming more serious.

There, hunger and thirst are no more. Here, we can share what we have by contributing to our local food cupboard or give a drink of water to someone else in Jesus’ name.

There, the sun will not cause us to wither. Here, sitting a long time in an uncomfortably warm waiting room teaches us patience and hope.

There, the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be our shepherd. Here, the Lamb guides us in the Eucharist and through the church.

There, God will wipe away every tear. Here, as we sit with a friend or relative who is in the last stages of cancer, we can wipe away his or her tears and minister Jesus’ love.

Heaven is our inheritance, thanks to the redemption Jesus won for us. Every day that we live as sons brings us one step closer to our true and final home. And every day that we live in the hope and expectation of that home, we are given countless opportunities to manifest the glory of heaven to those around us. So let’s enjoy the trip, knowing that the destination is amazing!

“How glorious are your promises, O Lord! Through your Son, we can experience an eternity of your love. May we all begin to revel in those promises today as we journey toward you in heaven.”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1.    In the first reading, Luke describes the moment when St. Paul obeys God’s command and begins giving the Good News of Christ to the Gentiles. With whom do you think God is asking you to share the news of Christ? What keeps you from doing it? The reading ends with: “The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:52). Why do you think this was so?

2.    In the Responsorial Psalm, we hear these words: “Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands: serve the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful song” (Psalm 100:1-2). What are some of the reasons listed for this joy and gladness? Our own joy and gladness is not a shallow giddiness. Because of Christ, death’s “victory” over us has been destroyed. We will live forever in an eternal experience of the love of God our Father! What can you do to make your life a greater reflection of this expectation?

3.    In John’s vision of Heaven in the Second Reading, we are told of the vast number gathered around the throne of God, “from every nation, race, people, and tongue.” God’s mercy and love is for everyone. Are there people from nations, races, or tongues you exclude from your love? What about the person who cut you off in traffic? What about a boss or co-worker? What steps can you take to reflect God’s love to these persons?

4.    In the Gospel, Jesus says “my sheep hear my voice”. What practical steps can you take this week to make yourself more available to “hear” the voice of Christ?

5.    Also in the Gospel, are there any more comforting and reassuring thoughts than the knowledge that we are held in the Father’s and Jesus’ hands and that no one can change that? Does your daily life reflect that confidence? What can you do to build your confidence in this reality for your life?

6.    In the meditation, we hear these words: “Heaven is our inheritance, thanks to the redemption Jesus won for us.” How important are these words to you? Do you believe that as you ponder this heavenly reality, it will impact the way you live out your life on earth?

 

Come Holy Spirit!  ~  Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and en kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, you taught the hearts of your faithful by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit. In that same spirit give us your right judgment and the joy of your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayer to St. Joseph  ~  Glorious St. Joseph, guide and protector of the Holy Family, we ask that you obtain for us from your son, Jesus, the strength and wisdom to lead our families to their Father in heaven. Most Chaste spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we imitate your obedience to the will of God and be ever mindful of the vocation to which we have been called. Amen