We are taught that it is a place—or better, a state—where, in the presence of God, every longing of the human heart finds fulfillment. It is the state of perfect happiness. The Bible portrays this in many ways: it is where Lazarus is poor no longer, resting in the bosom of Abraham (Lk 16:22). It is where God wipes away every tear, where there will be no more death, mourning, wailing, or pain (Rev 21:4). More often, heaven is described as a banquet or feast, as in today’s Gosp

Today’s readings remind us of the cost of discipleship and the courage required to stand for the truth. In the First Reading, the prophet Jeremiah faced opposition for speaking God’s word. Central to Jeremiah’s message were prophecies of impending divine judgment as a warning against idolatry, social injustice, and moral decadence practiced by the inhabitants of Judea. Moreover, he told the people to submit to the yoke of the king of Babylon if they wanted to survive.

In my second year in the seminary, a discussion arose among us seminarians on whether Mary died or not. Some said  no —she was taken...

Faith means trusting God even when life seems unfair—when the righteous suffer and the wicked prosper. It is believing, like Abraham, that God’s promises stand firm, and living as responsible stewards, storing up treasure in heaven.