Most of us have grown up learning to pray to the angels and saints for their intercession, companionship, and guidance. We pray also to those holy men and women we have known throughout our lives, that although not canonized, seem worthy to be in Heaven now: parents, grandparents, other relatives, and friends.
I think about life after death and reuniting with my husband, parents, and all the other close relationships who went before me, but lately after decades of praying to specific angels and saints, I have been thinking of how I have been forming strong friendships with many of them too. They have accompanied me through the glories and the tragedies. Some may know me better than I know myself.
So, I have started envisioning all the meetings and reunions Heaven may provide. I don’t think we will just be hanging out with the same earthly family and friends; I believe we will have an amazing opportunity to get to know our spiritual benefactors more intimately.
Imagine sitting at St. Anne’s feet, hearing her stories of our Blessed Mother’s childhood, being the object of the same grandmotherly love she had for Jesus. Or maybe she will want to take us rock climbing!
Imagine having lengthy intellectual talks with St. Thomas Aquinas, and understanding what he is explaining! Or maybe he will ask us to teach him something.
Hiking with Abraham, swimming with Mary Magdalene, a tour of the Galaxies with Archangel Raphael, horseback riding with Padre Pio, high tea with Dorothy Day…
St. Paul tells us, “What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love him.” My imagination is still short-sighted, but thoughts like these – the chance to meet old friends for the first time – may make it easier to say goodbye to this earthly life when our time comes. Let us nurture our saintly friendships now so that we have someone to sit with at the Heavenly Banquet.
Scripture: Read 1 Corinthians 2:9. What stands out to you?
Call to Action: Try praying to your favorite angels and saints regularly and in a conversational way as you would to a friend.
