We have all been invited to spend eternity with Jesus in Heaven. However, we can also decline that invitation, and many people choose to do so. If we accept the invitation, we need to make sure we arrive prepared.
Generally, invitations tell us about an event and what we should expect. Jesus also gives us guidelines for entering Heaven, but many of those guidelines require effort and sacrifice. Heaven is not simply a place. It is an everlasting relationship with Jesus, and relationships require work to maintain and strengthen.
It’s much easier to sleep in than to get up for Mass. We can always find excuses for why we don’t have time to pray during our busy day. Many times, we pass by someone in need and fail to show love. However, Jesus invites us to the wedding feast, and we are the bride. We should do our best to know our Bridegroom and continually work to grow closer to Him.
Even when we have a close relationship with Jesus, we still need to arrive prepared for the wedding feast. Just as a bride wouldn’t show up to her wedding dirty and wearing old clothes, we shouldn’t approach Jesus with a dirty soul and hearts full of grudges. We all sin, but we must continually seek forgiveness. Just as Jesus freely offers us forgiveness, we need to forgive others. Forgiveness isn’t always easy, but it can bring healing and strengthen our mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
God loves each of us and desires us to be united with Him for all eternity. He has given us the invitation, and He has also given us free will. What choice will we make?
