I was asking God what I should write about and I was drawn to the “Concise Dictionary of Theology.”
I found the entry “Lumen Gloria” (Light of Glory), which refers to the opening of our “eyes” to the beatific vision, God in all of his splendor “face to face.” St. Aquinas defined the beatific vision as the human being’s final end, where perfect happiness is obtained and humans no longer have something to seek or desire. These are descriptions of heaven.
I recently read a blog by Matthew Warner. He asked a series of strikingly reflective questions. “If we believe our faith and action in this life has eternal consequences, why don’t we act like it?” “If our relationship with God is truly the most important relationship, why don’t our daily schedules reflect that?”
As the leader of a ministry (or as a leader, period), it is easy to get stuck on “small-minded rules” (See Pope Francis’ recent interview). We must always stay focused on every human being’s final end AND we must always remember that includes ourselves. If we are not actively seeking the beatific vision ourselves, those we lead will not either. What are YOU doing today for the most important relationship in your life?
Makana Aiona is the diocesan coordinator for Young Adult Ministry.
