HIGH LIFE

“They stood before the throne and the Lamb, dressed in long white robes and holding palm branches in their hands.” –Revelation 7:9

Mass Readings: November 1
First: Revelation 7:2-4,9-14; Resp: Psalm 24:1-6; Second: 1 John 3:1-3; Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12

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 high,” that is, living with our hearts set on “higher realms.” Where is your heart, mind, and spirit? Are you earth-bound in sin 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 “get high,” 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: The feast of All Saints was celebrated by Pope Boniface IV by gathering twenty-eight wagonloads of martyr’s relics and dedicating a church for them. Praise the Lord for giving us the communion of saints!