Are we destined to repeat the past of inhumanity to humanity?
The Door to Heaven - A thought on what death means
Photo by The Good Funeral Guide on Unsplash
The Door to heaven - A thought on what death means.
As I sat beside my wife as she was taking her last breath my thoughts went back many years while we were vibrant, happy go-lucky, and looking ahead to family and a future that promised peace and tranquility.
The beauty of all that will always remain no matter the outcome of these last few moments. Believing that the promises God set before each of us will come to fruition in the moments that last for an eternity no matter what stage either of us is in.
Look at the words of Jesus as he told his disciples, “Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Isiah said, “He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly, to heal the brokenhearted.” (Mt. 5: 4, Is 61: 1a).
If gaining a lover (one who can only give true love) is a quest that we all seek, then the loss of this life is as Paul said; “For to me life is Christ, and death is gain. If I go on living in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. And I do not know which I shall choose.” Words for Paul near his final days, and words that make sense for each of us as our days begin to see the shadow of new life impending upon us. (Phil 1: 21 - 22).
What is this new life that only the elect may experience when their time to cross over that threshold that holds us back opens and reveals the wonder of that paradise we all heard about and finally are ready to live life that God promised us?
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth.” One of the seven angels said to me; “Come here. He took me to a great high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. It gleamed with the splendor of God.” The vision each of us will not only see, we shall become part of this and there will be no ending of our new life. (excerpts from Rv 21).
As I watched her eyes close and a smile of peace surround her lovely face, we both knew the end was the beginning of life as these same words were from our baptism and the entrance into heaven.
Ralph B. Hathaway.
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About the Author
I am an ordained deacon with the Diocese of Pittsburgh, since June 8, 1974. My current ministry is concentrated on writing spiritual reflections and poetry. I am married, with one grown daughter, and 4 grandchildren. I retired from the electrical industry after 58 years as an electrician, contractor, teacher in trade schools, and electrical inspector with a PA State license
