How to Get Into Heaven

Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him,
“You are lacking in one thing.
Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor
and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”
At that statement his face fell,
and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

I am struck each time I read the parable of the rich young man at how attentive Jesus is to this soul who walks away sad because “he had many possessions”: “Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, ‘You are lacking in one thing.’” Imagine Jesus looking into our eyes and loving us because he knows that is just what we need. Imagine Jesus knowing that we like to take control, remain independent, and collect things that make us “happy”; and despite all of that, He still looks at us, loves us and is hopeful. Imagine Jesus saying to us, “Don’t be afraid to be helpless because with me you are strongest when you are weak.”

Now imagine running toward Jesus and saying to him, “I now know what love is. I have recognized the poor, I have loved them like you love me, I have given them what they need, and I have come to ask if you will please hold me and love me forever!”

I think Heaven-on-earth is surrendering to Jesus everything that isn’t His and giving it away to those who don’t have anything. I think Heaven is living that freedom while looking into Jesus’ loving eyes. Let’s say our prayers so we can get there.

P.S. Please pray the Rosary this month for peace in the world!