Purification of Memories in Heaven – May 19 – Homily – Fr Matthias

 

Fr Matthias gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on May 19, 2023, on how our memories will be transformed in heaven in a wonderful, mysterious way, where we will have a different perspective on the negative things and our failures, and we will be very happy for all the virtues we have attained.

The intricate topic of memories in heaven, alluded to by Our Lord in the Gospel, asserts that we'll retain our memories in heaven, but they'll be transformed. Drawing on the analogy of a woman in labor, the pain of childbirth is transformed by the joy of the newborn. Similarly, our earthly memories, viewed through the lens of the beatific vision in heaven, will be transformed by joy.

St. Robert Bellarmine, a Doctor of the Church, proposed that time is like a stream flowing into the sea of eternity. During our earthly journey, we often question God's providence and struggle to make sense of life's injustices. Yet, once time merges with eternity, the saints in heaven will understand God's plan through history. Every memory will make more sense, viewed through a lens of joy.

Thus, we must live well, love much, and do good, as these actions forge eternal memories. Let us seek Our Lady's help to live a fruitful life, making good memories for eternity.

Gospel reference: [John 16: 21 - A woman in labor has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born, she forgets her anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/16?21]

Beatific vision: [1 Corinthians 13: 12 - For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/13?12]

St. Robert Bellarmine reference: [Wisdom 8: 1 - Wisdom reaches mightily from one end of the earth to the other, and she orders all things well - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/wisdom/8?1]

Conclusion: [1 Corinthians 13: 13 - And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/13?13]

Final exhortation: [Luke 1: 46-55 - Mary’s Song of Praise, where she praises the Lord and recognizes His goodness - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/1?46-55]

00:00 - Introduction
00:30 - Memories in Heaven - Analogy of a Woman in Labor
01:05 - Transformation of Memories through Joy
01:32 - Possessing All Memories in Heaven
02:53 - St. Robert Bellarmine's View on Memories in Heaven
03:38 - Understanding God's Providence in Time
04:34 - The Joy Brought by Memory in Heaven
05:08 - Applying History and Personal Memories in Heaven
05:20 - Conclusion: The Importance of Our Actions in Life
05:55 - Closing Prayer: Praised be Jesus and Mary

Ave Maria!

Mass: Friday 6th Week of Easter - Wkdy
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/051923.cfm
1st: act 18:9-18
Resp: psa 47:2-7
Gsp: joh 16:20-23

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1725

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