Last night my son-in-law (Brittany’s husband – Chris) and I had one of those wonderful “God talks”. God talks tends to happen on a regular basis in my home and I love it. Anyway, Chris (yes, my son is also named Christopher and he goes by Chris!) asked me my thoughts regarding salvation. He wanted to know if I believed that all people go to heaven, including those who bring forth significant pain and heartache in the world. I pondered a bit before I answered him.
Returning to God
If you have read some of my previous reflections then you may know that I have a love for our church mystics. I find myself continually drawn to their thought. From our Early Church mystics like Origen, to mystics of the Middle Ages like Teresa of Avila, to more modern day mystics including Faustina Kowalska, I find peace when I sit with their writings. When I sit with them a common thread seems to arise – God loves all of his creation and he wants everything that he created to return to him at the appointed time. In this light, such a home coming must include invitations to those persons who brought forth the deepest suffering in the world and even those who outwardly rejected God.
In today’s first reading Paul shares with us that lovers of Christ are chosen, rather destined, to praise God’s glory. This is accomplished inside of the One who we came into existence through – Jesus Christ. Everything our soul could ever desire is promised us when we believe in the One who is the Truth – Christ. In this space we are invited to model and be Christ for all others. We are invited to praise God’s glory. This can be done many ways. One way is by sharing invitations to God’s great banquet with others.
The Christian Calling
As Christians we are called to walk the walk and talk the talk – the Jesus walk and talk that is. We are called to be Christ for one another. This calling compels us to love those who do not know him so that they see Christ when they look at us. This is a very special role in God’s homecoming banquet. We get to deliver the invitations for a glorious homecoming feast! Jesus will take care of preparing the banquet table.
My Answer to Chris
As I looked at Chris I shared with him that I believe God wants every one of us to return home to him – like our church mystics believe. God cannot deny his children when they seek him, even the tough ones. He knows their hearts and he also knows their pain, just like he knows ours. However, we are all accountable for the sins we commit and we must seek to heal the pain we bring forth in the world. We can seek healing and deeper union with God while alive and in Purgatory. God continually offers cleansing and healing for those who seek him; but, we must first seek him.
And for those who do not seek or know him, that’s where we come in. We are called to be a light for the world, sharing God with others. God will take it from there. I think God wants us to blanket the world with invitations to his glorious banquet.
Saint John de Brebeuf and His Companions
Today we celebrate a saint that holds a special place in my heart – Saint John de Brebeuf. Even though this saint experienced his humanity in a different place and time then my own, he is one of those special individuals who gave me an invitation to God’s banquet.
Through his sacrifice and total abandon of self Saint John de Brebeuf set into motion something special that would eventually lead to the creation of the high school my son, Christopher, attended – Brebeuf Jesuit in Indianapolis, Indiana. The morning Masses in the school’s chapel were beautiful, sacred beyond words, and deeply instrumental on my faith journey. I attended almost daily when my son was a student there. I fell deeply in love with Jesus Christ during this time. It seems a spiritual accelerator happened during this period of my life, and my son’s life as well. I hope to one day meet Saint John de Brebeuf in heaven so I can thank him for the invitation.
We are all called to send God’s invitations out like Saint John de Brebeuf did. We probably can’t even imagine whose hands they will fall into – our invitations may pass through space and time as well.
Global Light For Christ (GLFC)
We are a group of Christ lovers who seek to support our fellow brothers and sisters on their journey into wholeness through prayer and petition. I invite you to share your prayer requests below and to pray for one another. (Jerry – how did your surgery go?) Be blessed my brothers and sisters in Christ!
God bless all of you. See you next week Friday – Carolyn
If you would like to learn more about my work and my ministry I invite you to visit my website: CarolynBerghuis.com.
God the Father – hold us in your Fatherly love.
Sacred Heart of Jesus – heal us with your divine love.
God the Holy Spirit – immerse us in divine love.
