CONTEMPLATING JESUS IN HEAVEN - 11/24/22 (Memorial of Saint Andrew Dũng-Lạc, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs)

Luke 21:27-28

“And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.”  

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112422.cfm

Blessed Memorial of Saint Andrew Dũng-Lac and Companions! The prophecies of Jesus Christ about Jerusalem were fulfilled in AD 70. The temple of Jerusalem was destroyed by the armies. And, just as this prophecy happened, we have confidence that the second coming of our Lord will take place as well in the time that only God knows. The rejection of the Jews to their Savior foreshadowed the coming judgment on the glorious coming of Jesus Christ towards those who also reject Him. As we see in the gospel reading, the Son of Man will come in a cloud with power and glory. Though the second coming has not yet taken place, there are ways that we can meditate on the reality of Jesus being in heaven that can be helpful for our spiritual life. One is by recognizing that Jesus is truly present in the Holy Eucharist. It is in the Mass where heaven meets earth. In the Mass, especially when the bread and wine becomes the body and blood of Jesus Christ through the act of consecration, we are witnessing with the eyes of faith the glory and power of our God. As we participate in the Holy Communion, may we remember to remain in the state of grace, where we do not have mortal sins, because receiving Him in this state is what is pleasing to Him, and this helps us to deepen our love for God. 

The other way that we can do to contemplate is by having the imagination or mental picture of Jesus in heaven as we pray. We can do this when we meditate on the mysteries in the holy rosary like the glorious mysteries. At the same time, when we do the sign of the cross or in other parts of our prayers, we can also have a picture of Jesus in our mind while contemplating on heaven. Through this, we can be more eager to love God and obey His commandments because our desire to see God in heaven is increasing. At the same time, this helps us to endure the sufferings that we are experiencing on this life. Saint Andrew and the companions were Vietnamese martyrs. Like in other Asian countries in earlier times, some leaders became jealous of the Church that, due to their anti-Catholic mindset, they tortured many people for our beliefs. Still, St. Andrew and the companions did not give up their Catholic faith because they had the hope of entering the Kingdom of Heaven. As we experience many sufferings and disappointments in life, let's not lose hope and let's focus on God who is awaiting us in heaven. No one can take away the everlasting life that is prepared by God for those who are always meditating on Him and on heaven. Let's stand firm because redemption is at hand. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Saint Andrew Dũng-Lac and Companions:

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/november-24---saint-andrew-dung-lac-and-his-companions-martyrs--memorial/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/