Surprises In Heaven

[Apologista]

You may have read one of the poems or Bishop Sheen’s take on the idea that when we get to Heaven we will be surprised who we see there or don’t see there. And some will be surprised to see us there!

I also heard it put another way, which is the heart of what I’m getting at: If we have a conflict with a person here on Earth, we’ll either meet them in Heaven or in Hell.

Since we don’t want to meet them in Hell, then, we can’t wish that they would go there because then we risk going there ourselves due to our unforgiveness. Not good. :nope:

If we have the sense, and get the chance, then, we will make peace with him or her in this world. If death comes before there’s a chance it’s the next world, and we Catholics believe that would be in Purgatory. :sad_yes:

The ideal would be then that both parties are in the grace of God and meet happily in Heaven, end of story. :heaven::heaven:

This is a powerful spiritual exercise if you meditate upon it. Thinking back on the people I’ve had upsets with - I mean, hopefully not that many, but even a few is sad, if there hasn’t been a chance to reconcile and one or the other of us dies. It’s probably even the best idea to keep praying that that chance to reconcile will come - like in the case of someone who you can’t find a way to contact or who is upset with you and has requested you not contact them.

 

[Holly3278]

I think we may very well be surprised at who we see in Heaven. For example, who knows if Saddam Hussein, Hitler, or anyone else may have repented sincerely just before dying and God in His infinite mercy granted them salvation. I mean, I personally find the example of Hitler to be rather unlikely but who knows.

 

[LoyalViews]

I think we may very well be surprised at who we see in Heaven. For example, who knows if Saddam Hussein, Hitler, or anyone else may have repented sincerely just before dying and God in His infinite mercy granted them salvation. I mean, I personally find the example of Hitler to be rather unlikely but who knows.

I often think of that too

But maybe if we had a feud with someone here on earth, when we both died…maybe it would be in Purgatory where they’d have to be resolved – since both people never did make up for it, but it wasn’t serious enough to be mortally sinful.

OP is right, it is a powerful meditation !

 

[Holly3278]

I often think of that too

But maybe if we had a feud with someone here on earth, when we both died…maybe it would be in Purgatory where they’d have to be resolved – since both people never did make up for it, but it wasn’t serious enough to be mortally sinful.

OP is right, it is a powerful meditation !

Well, I think we also need to realize that God won’t forgive us unless we forgive others. At least that is what the Bible says:

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
(Matthew 6:14-15 RSV-CE)

 

[SaintPatrick333]

I think we may very well be surprised at who we see in Heaven. For example, who knows if Saddam Hussein, Hitler, or anyone else may have repented sincerely just before dying and God in His infinite mercy granted them salvation. I mean, I personally find the example of Hitler to be rather unlikely but who knows.

I have my doubts as well with Hitler but were it to be true, talk about a testament to God’s power to save a man who committed such unspeakable evil during the latter course of his life.

 

[Holly3278]

I have my doubts as well with Hitler but were it to be true, talk about a testament to God’s power to save a man who committed such unspeakable evil during the latter course of his life.

That’s true but remember, Saint Paul murdered Christians before he became a Christian himself and now he is a saint.God is merciful and willing to forgive all of our sins if we sincerely repent of them.

 

[graciew]

Well, I think we also need to realize that God won’t forgive us unless we forgive others. At least that is what the Bible says:

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
(Matthew 6:14-15 RSV-CE)

If I am finding it hard to forgive,I go with Jesus´words at the cross “Father,forgive them”
KInd of leave it in HIs hands.I think it is a step foward…at least…

 

[Apologista]

If I am finding it hard to forgive,I go with Jesus´words at the cross “Father,forgive them”
KInd of leave it in HIs hands.I think it is a step foward…at least…

It is - it demonstrates the will to forgive. The emotions will follow.