The saints stand "before the throne and the Lamb." This applies both to saints on earth and in heaven, for we on earth "have our citizenship in heaven" (Phil 3:20). Although our bodies are not in heaven, our citizenship is, "since [we] have been raised up in company with Christ" (Col 3:1). We became saints when we were raised up with Christ in Baptism. We live as saints and grow in sanctity when we set our hearts "on what pertains to higher realms where Christ is seated at God's right hand" (Col 3:1). We are "intent on things above rather than on things of earth" (Col 3:2).
Living as saints means living with our hearts set on "higher realms." Where is your heart, mind, and spirit? Are you earth-bound in the affairs of this world or standing around God's throne in praise? Are you aware of having your citizenship in heaven? "It is from there that we eagerly await the coming of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Phil 3:20).
To be saints with our spirits in heaven, we must totally give our lives to Jesus, renew our baptismal promises, and repent of our sins. Then we will live in "higher realms."
| PRAYER: | Father, may I enter Your throne room with praise and thanksgiving (Ps 100:4). |
| PROMISE: | "Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is great." –Mt 5:12 |
| PRAISE: | "Worthy are You to receive the scroll and break open its seals, for You were slain. With Your blood You purchased for God men of every race and tongue, of every people and nation" (Rv 5:9). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College