in Heaven

     In an effort to help man understand the nature of God and his surroundings, God inspired people to write down explanations for what they see and experience. At most given points in human history man was not capable of understanding the nature of the universe.  Interplanetary travel would not have been comprehendable. Particle physics was out of the question. Travel by jet might be viewed as the work of a magician or illusionist.  Even the common suspension bridge was viewed by a Pope at one time as 'the work of the devil'.

      Our understanding has grown for sure. Even in the realm of poverty and slavery, we now know the abomination of not treating all humans as equals. Though we would have to note that even within the last  several hundred years, the church viewed Native Americans and African Americans as 'having no soul', something less than fully human.  Praise God that the Spirit is guiding us - if we listen.

        Our understanding of Heaven has been a bit all over the place - literally. But mostly, it is believed to be a physical place in the heavens ( within our own atmosphere ? ) that is the official residence of God.  The entrance has pearly gates manned by St, Peter as the guard who admits those worthy. Worthiness judged not so much by God it would seem but judged more by earthly institutions in the name of God. Yikes!

       Have we come to the conclusion that Heaven is not necessarily a place ?  It is not a place wherein you are rewarded with 72 virgins if you commit jihad. Personally, I might say it is really not a place where I can drive or race any variety of car I can conjure up and eat whatever I like and still have eight packs abs and enjoy a smorgasbord of fashion perfect men. There's a peek into my psyche, eh?  Heaven is not the place of indulgence or reward for a life well lived.

     If anything, Heaven, it seems to me, is a place of enlightenment and bliss. A state of being. Here and now we have states of confusion, states of hysteria, states of disarray. Then we will have a state of contentment, state of peace, a state of wholeness and holiness.
These are things we seek even while we are here on earth and so I think we can attain heaven here if we really try. Perhaps that is arrogance. I do know we catch glimpses of heaven here and it is not really sitting by my pool with cabana boys bringing me drinks while I soak up the sun. Heaven is not up in the sky, it is simply not here in this plane or realm of existence. But again, we can and should try to help it exist right now, today, in our lives and in our lifetime as best we can. Whenever and wherever we can. 

       Where and what is heaven to you?

Our Father in heaven,
   hallowed be your name. 

Your kingdom come.
   Your will be done,
     on earth as it is in heaven. 
Give us this day our daily bread. 
And forgive us our debts,
     as we also have forgiven our debtors. 
And do not bring us to the time of trial,
     but rescue us from the evil one.