What Does It Take To Make It To Heaven?

What Does It Take To Make It To Heaven?

Eileen Renders                                     January 2024

   As Catholics, most of us have contemplated whether we will one day make it to heaven. We realize and have been taught that we must follow the Ten Commandments, and of course, this means regularly making the sacrament of Reconciliation. Yet, although we go to Mass every week and believe we are following the Commandments, why do many of us reflect upon our acceptance into heaven?

   From my perspective, I have seen many Catholics attend Mass every week, yet some are living in sin, By this statement, I have witnessed, as you may have, couples who have separated from their spouse and soon begin cohabitation with another partner. The children of these couples are receiving less than deserved examples. Others pass the homeless on the Street corners, or outside of a Mall in expensive outfits with many purchases, but fail to drop some coins in a beggars jar. And how many donate good clothing for the poor, or visit the shut-ins?

   So we rightfully wonder if we are doing enough to please God, are we serving God? In this New Year let us consider donating our time, our energy, and our mercy to those in need through adopting a few of the  Corporal and spiritual works of mercy as follows; 

Corporal works of mercy                                 Spiritual works of mercy

Feed the hungry                                              Counsel the doubtful

Give drink to the thirsty                                   Instruct the ignorant

Clothe the naked                                             Admonish the sinner

Shelter the homeless                                      Comfort the sorrowful

Visit the sick                                                    Forgive injuries

Visit the imprisoned                                         Bear wrongs patiently

Bury the dead                                                  Pray for the living and the dead 

   As homeowners, we do not hesitate to have home or medical insurance as we consider them necessities, why then would we want to risk ignoring what God asks of each of us? Each day is a new opportunity to serve God and to show our love for Him. Only then can we truly trust that God will one day open the Gates of Paradise to allow us to live with Him for all eternity!