Shalom my friends! Today, we explore what heaven is like, drawing insights from St. Catherine of Siena’s The Dialogue. We will focus on the unimaginable beauty and glory of heaven, which far exceeds our earthly comprehension.
The Limitations of Our Earthly Experience
God the Father reveals to St. Catherine that the joy of souls in heaven transcends our earthly perceptions. He states, “the goodness of these Souls is beyond what your mind’s eye can see or your ear hear or your tongue describe or your heart imagine.” This profound truth encourages us to reflect on our limited understanding of spiritual realities, much like a fish confined to a small bowl.
The Fishbowl Analogy: Understanding Our Purpose
Imagine a fish in a bowl, swimming in a few liters of water. If submerged in the ocean while still in its bowl, it could gaze upon the vastness of the sea, yet remain trapped in its familiar routine. This imagery illustrates our situation on Earth—we were not made for this world alone; we were created for a divine union with God in heaven.
Diverse Experiences of Joy in Heaven
St. Catherine emphasizes that not all souls experience heaven the same way. God the Father notes that the joy and goodness in heaven are measured by the love with which souls have approached Him. This aligns with the teachings from the Council of Florence, indicating that the blessed in heaven perceive God based on their virtues and merits.
Personal Relationship with Jesus: A Communal Experience
Many speak of a “personal relationship with Jesus,” and while this is true, it is not isolated. In heaven, according to St. Catherine, our relationships blossom into a communal experience. Souls rejoice not only in their connection with God but also in the virtues of fellow saints, actively participating in each other’s joy and excellence.
Virtue and Its Impact on Heavenly Rewards
St. Catherine reveals that virtue directly influences our heavenly rewards. God the Father tells her that the elect find their places according to the virtues they excelled in during their earthly lives. Our actions and choices will significantly shape our heavenly experience, unlike angels, who have fixed roles.
Preparing for Heaven: A Call to Grow in Virtue
As we reflect on St. Catherine of Siena’s insights, we see that heaven is not just a place but the fulfillment of our deepest longing—union with God. The love we cultivate now will determine the depth of our joy in eternity. Every act of virtue, every moment spent in prayer, and every effort to grow in holiness shapes our experience of heaven.
To deepen your understanding of this beautiful reality, I encourage you to watch this insightful video:
It offers a powerful perspective on the glory awaiting us and how we can prepare our hearts for it today.
May this inspire you to live with heaven in mind, embracing the love and virtue that will one day lead to eternal joy!
