Practical devotion: the hope of Heaven

The presence of God. That he is everywhere, I am told by reason, heart, Faith. In the fields, in the mountains, in the seas, in the depths of the atom as in the universe, He is everywhere. Please, listen to me; I offend him, he sees me; I flee him, he follows me; if I hide, God surrounds me. He knows my temptations as soon as they assail me, he allows my tribulations, he gives me everything I have, every moment; my life and my death depend on him. What a sweet and terrible thought!

God is in heaven. God is universal king of heaven and earth; but here it stands as unknown; the eye does not see Him; down here he receives so few respects due to His Majesty, that one would almost say that he is not there. Heaven, here is the throne of his kingdom where it shows off all its magnificence; it is there where he blesses so many hosts of Angels, Archangels and chosen souls; it is there where the incessant rises to Him! song of gratitude and love; that's where he calls you. And do you listen to Him? Do you obey him?

Hope from Heaven. How much hope these words infuse 'God puts them in your mouth; the Kingdom of God is your homeland, the destination of your journey. Down here we have only an echo of its harmonies, a reflection of its light, some drop of the perfumes of Heaven. If you fight, if you suffer, if you love; the God who is in Heaven awaits you, as Father, in His arms; indeed, he will be your inheritance. My God, will I be able to see you in Heaven? ... How much I desire! Make me worthy.

PRACTICE. - Think often that God sees you. Recite five Pater for those who live oblivious to God.