What do you want to end up like?
When I was 42, my 96-year-old grandfather died. He had lived in his own home until three days before he died. Once all his grandchildren had come to say good-bye, he was ready to go home to God. He had never been a prominent community figure: his final job had been as a cleaner in a factory, yet there were so many at his funeral. Nearly all his children and grandchildren had friends there, and the same words were heard over and over, ‘He was so good to us!’ My Poppy was a pensioner: he had nothing to give, except his time and interest, and those he gave generously. He was loved and treasured. At 42, I thought if I want to end up life him, I have to start now.
At last Sunday’s Mass, we heard the story of Jesus’ Transfiguration. After telling his disciples about his coming horrendous death, he revealed to three of them, just how he was going to ‘end up’. He became glorious and radiant, filling them with wonder. For a few fleeting moments, they had a foretaste of his Resurrection. This was to be for them a sign and inspiration. They too, like Jesus, would know suffering and humiliation in their lives but they too, if they were faithful, could look forward to living with Jesus in glory.
I haven’t had those such moments of glory but in my grandfather I saw what the love and friendliness of heaven would be like. I can imagine his deceased loved ones, my Nanny, his family, friends and neighbours rushing to meet him when he arrived in heaven. I want to be like that and every now and then I remind myself that I have to begin now.
What do you want to be like? What qualities inspire you? If you want to end up like that, you need to start today.
Loving God, you have made us for glory. Give me a glimpse of the type of glory you desire to give me and give me the wisdom to start living it today. I ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear me.
Sr Kym Harris osb
