Pope says life is preparing ourselves for heavenly home

26 April, 2013 - In order to prepare themselves for their heavenly home promised by Jesus, Christians need to train the heart, eyes and ears to be able to see things beyond this life, Pope Francis said on Friday. The Holy Father made the remark at a morning Mass he celebrated in the chapel of Santa Martha, his residence in the Vatican. He was reflecting on the Mass reading from John’s Gospel where at the Last Supper Jesus comforted his disciples saying, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” The Pope said, Jesus like a friend and shepherds tries to calm the fears of his disciples, urging them to trust in Him as He is always faithful, and was going to prepare a place for them in the house of the Father in heaven. Just like a person with a cataract sees better after an eye operation, Pope Francis said we too in our journey of faith need to train our eyes and ears to be able to see the home prepared for us by Jesus. But especially one needs to prepare the heart to love more and more. Pope Francis further explained that in life’s journey the Lord prepares our heart with trials, consolations, tribulations and good things. However, he warned against those who regard this as alienation from real life. The Pope said, preparing for heaven and starting to see it from far is not alienation but the truth. It means allowing Jesus to prepare our heart and our eyes for that immense beauty, he added.