A Brief Catechism for Adults - Lesson 9: Heaven

OLRL ^ | Fr. William J. Cogan

[NYer]

Lesson 9: Heaven

"Behold what manner of charity the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called, and should be the sons of God.  Therefore the world knoweth not us, because it knew not Him.  Dearly beloved, we are now the sons of God; and it hath not yet appeared what we shall be.  We know, that, when He shall appear, we shall be like to Him:  Because we shall see Him as He is."  (1 John 3:1-2)

1. What is Heaven?
       The place of perfect happiness in the next world.

   "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man, what things God hath prepared for those that love Him."    (1 Corinthians 2:9)

• Who will go to Heaven?
      Only those who have Sanctifying Grace in their souls at the moment of death.

  "Then shall the king say to them that shall be on His right hand:  Come, ye blessed of My Father, possess you the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."    (Matthew 25:34)

• What is the happiness of Heaven?
      It will consist in seeing God face to face and possessing Him in divine love.

  "We see now through a glass in a dark manner; but then face to face.  Now I know in part:  But then I shall know even as I am known."    (1 Corinthians 13:12)

• Why is the happiness of Heaven perfect?
      Because God made you for Himself and you can find perfect satisfaction in Him alone.

  "Thou hast made us for Thyself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee."    (St. Augustine)

• Will everyone have the same happiness in Heaven?
      No, the happiness of some will be greater than that of others, but everyone will be as happy as he can be.

• Why will some have greater happiness than others?
      Because some will see God more clearly.

  "For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will render to every man according to his works."    (Matthew 16:27)

• Why will some see God more clearly?
      Because they died with more Sanctifying Grace on their souls.

  "And every man shall receive his own reward, according to his own labor."    (1 Corinthians 3:8)

• How, then, should you spend your time on Earth?
      Try to get as much Sanctifying Grace in your soul as you can before you die.

  "Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that which endureth unto life everlasting, which the Son of man will give you."    (1 Corinthians 3:8)
  
  

  "The night cometh, when no man can work."    (John 9:4)

• Will there be any sorrow or pain in Heaven?
      No, nor will there be any sickness, temptation, or sin, but complete, unending joy.

  "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes:  and death shall be no more, nor mourning, nor crying, nor sorrow shall be any more."    (Apocalypse 21:4)

• Will you know your family and friends in Heaven?
      Yes, and also the Angels and Saints.

  "Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners:  But you are fellow citizens with the saints, and the domestics of God."    (Ephesians 2:19)

• What would keep you from getting into Heaven?
      Dying with a serious (mortal) sin on your soul.

  "And there shall not enter into it any thing defiled, or that worketh abomination or maketh a lie, but they that are written in the book of life of the Lamb."    (Apocalypse 21:27)

• How often should you pray to get to Heaven?
      Every day, since getting to Heaven is the purpose of life.

  "As the heart panteth after the fountains of water; so my soul panteth after Thee, O God.  My soul hath thirsted after the strong living God; when shall I come and appear before the face of God?"    (Psalm 41:2-3)

• What is the chief difference between Heaven and Limbo?
  The souls in Heaven see God face to face; whereas, those in Limbo do not.

  Seeing God face to face is called the Beatific Vision.  It contains all possible happiness and is unending.

PRACTICAL POINTS

1. You will never get bored or used to heaven because God is unlimited in every way.  Nothing on this earth can completely satisfy you, whether it is money or fame or pleasure, since everything created is limited.

• Thinking often of Heaven, putting it before everything else, will give you the correct scale of values, as well as peace of mind in this world.

[NYer]

Lesson 9 of 43.

[NYer]

Lesson 9 of 43.

[Salvation]

I was waiting for Heaven, Hell and Purgatory. Knew they were coming.

[Salvation]

A Brief Catechism for Adults - Lesson 1: Religion
A Brief Catechism for Adults - Lesson 2: The Bible and Tradition
A Brief Catechism for Adults - Lesson 3: God and the Holy Trinity
A Brief Catechism for Adults - Lesson 4: Prayer
A Brief Catechism for Adults - Lesson 5: Public Worship of God

A Brief Catechism for Adults - Lesson 6: Angels and Devils
A Brief Catechism for Adults - Lesson 7: Human Beings and the Purpose of Life
A Brief Catechism for Adults - Lesson 8: Sanctifying Grace
A Brief Catechism for Adults - Lesson 9: Heaven

[B-Chan]

May the Lord not give me what I truly deserve! I want to go to Heaven, but I’m nowhere near close to being worthy. The Divine Mercy is my only hope. “Jesus, I Trust In You”.

[Salvation]

A Brief Catechism for Adults - Lesson 10: Mortal and Venial Sin