Heaven is an everlasting communion of life and love with God and the saints. 

Faith 

Every single one of us spends time wondering what heaven is like. We certainly experience moments that are a foretaste of heaven. St. Catherine of Siena was known to have said, “All the way to heaven is heaven.” Yes, that statement can sound puzzling amidst the suffering and trials of life. Yet it reveals to us that heaven is the “place” where we live in the presence of God, the angels, and saints; in this “place,” we experience love, joy, peace, and unity. I love to think of heaven as entering the household of God (Eph. 2:19) and living forever with those who see the face of God during their earthly journey.   

St. Catherine of Siena’s quote can make sense to us, since every day, we can experience a glimpse of heaven through how we live, pray, think, and act. And we know our heavenly Father is with us and protecting us (Mt. 6:25-25) as we walk in the footsteps of His Son (1 John 2:6) to our final home, the household of our loving Father.

Spot the Virtue 

Magnanimity is the virtue of a leader. They see the gifts of others and know that they are stronger when they work together as a team. The magnanimous person seeks with confidence to do great things for God. The word literally means “having a large soul.”  

For example, those with the virtue of magnanimity can celebrate the success of others and not feel threatened when someone is better. Instead, they rejoice over the good recognized in others; their “big soul” has room for everyone and everything! 

Name: Katie, I heard you congratulate Jacob on winning the spelling bee. 

Explain: You practiced the virtue of magnanimity because even though you didn’t win, you recognized his accomplishment

and gave him the credit he deserved.   

Express: Thank you for not giving into jealousy and being an example to others of appreciating the successes and talents

of another person. 

Spot this virtue in at least one person this week.  

Prayer 

With the knowledge that God desires all people to be saved, let us pray the Act of Hope as we think about life everlasting with Him: 
 
O Lord God, I hope by your grace for the pardon of all my sins, and after life here to gain eternal happiness, because you have promised it, who are infinitely powerful, faithful, kind, and merciful. In this hope I intend to live and die. Amen. 

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